Weed out rogue police officers

The list of grievances against the police by the public is long. From harassment to bribery, theft to collusion with criminals and extortion, the police inspire very little confidence.

In August last year, three police officers attached to the Nakuru Police Station were charged in a Kericho court with abduction and extortion after they allegedly kidnapped a motorist and demanded ransom. Two others were expected in court later for allegedly releasing a robbery suspect unprocedurally and sharing the loot with him.

Fresh complaints have arisen that police in Nakuru have again unprocedurally released a suspect who had subjected a 16-year-old school girl to sex with men against her wish. When the police, who are supposed to rigorously enforce the law, protect the public and ensure the culprits are punished betray public trust by colluding with criminals, then something is wrong with their moral fabric.

It is not enough that the Independent Police Oversight Authority has raised a red flag over  rogue officers, a lot needs to be done to ensure the few elements spoiling the reputation of the service are ruthlessly weeded out. Only then will public confidence in the police be restored.