Uhuru directs Inspector General to tackle corruption in the Police Service

President Uhuru Kenyatta decorates Monica Wambua who was Best Rifle Shot during the passing-out parade for recruits at the Kiganjo Police College, Nyeri yesterday. [PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet to restore the battered image of the police. He said the Police Service had been marred by corruption.

A tough talking Uhuru said no matter how how much is invested in the service, the resources would be a waste if integrity continues to be a challenge among law enforcers.

“While I appreciate all the work that has been done, I think it is fair to say that the Police Service has yet to solve these problems. They had better be solved and quickly,” said the President at the police training college in Kiganjo, Nyeri when he presided over the passing-out parade of 3,933 new officers yesterday.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery, Boinett and his Acting Deputy, Joel Kitili were also present. Nkaissery urged the new officers and even those who have been in the service longer to embrace integrity and moral courage to become better law enforcers. “Anybody putting on police uniform must portray that quality of doing what is right even when no one is watching,” he said.

The CS said he and the leadership of the police will deliver on the promise to reform the Kenya Police Service and make it a shining example. Boinett also focused on the issue of integrity, saying he will do everything to ensure the force regains its glory.

“I urge all of you to steer clear of evils such as corruption as we are determined to restore the rightful glory of the Police Force,” said Boinett.

Recommended ratio

President Kenyatta said the Government has dedicated more resources to modernise and equip the police to better serve Kenyans.

He said change can already be seen in improved mobility, communication and surveillance systems, protective armour and air support capacity among other initiatives.

Uhuru said the Government will continue recruiting more officers, for Kenya to come close to United Nations recommended ratio of one police officer serving 450 members of the public. Ewoton Tatan and Susan Mureithi walked out of the institution with the ‘Cane of Honour’ award while Denilson Mwamobe Abuga emerged the Best Academic Recruit.

Monica Wambua had the privilege of receiving a Maximum Badge, which was pinned on her right lapel by the President. She also received a trophy for scoring the best rifle shot. On February 26, the President is expected to preside over another passing out parade for 2,000 recruits at the General Service Unit training centre in Embakasi, Nairobi.

Meanwhile, Uhuru yesterday arrived in Nyeri to be confronted by an expectant lot. At the main entrance of the Sagana State Lodge in Mathira on Wednesday, a group of squatters from the nearby Iruri village had camped there wishing to have a word with him on their resettlement.

The squatters, who included elderly women, demanded an audience with him, saying successive governments had promised to resettle them or to renege. Their attempts to get  his attention were however unsuccessful as he was driven past.

A group of students yet to report to Form One due to lack of fees had also camped there, seeking to catch the President’s attention. The crowd was still camped at the main gate yesterday evening.

A tearful Jane Muthoni said they learnt of the president coming from the radio “and we thought since our village nears the State lodge, we should present our problems to him.”