MPs back new police reforms amid public outcry over brutality

Anti riot police officers controls protesters along Kenyatta Avenue during the demonstration demanding DIG Lagat arrest and prosecution over the murder of Albert Ojwang' in Nairobi on June 17, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Members of Parliament have supported the nomination of new commissioners to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), who were vetted last week by the National Security and Administration Committee. The legislators emphasised the urgent need for far-reaching police reforms amid growing public anger over alleged brutality and a deteriorating relationship between law enforcement and citizens. National Assembly Leader of Majority, Kimani Ichung'wah, condemned the recent wave of violent protests in the country, noting that the trend of citizens confronting police officers is a dangerous path. Ichung'wah supported the need for police culpability but cautioned against the blanket condemnation of the entire force. "Even as we condemn the excesses of a number of officers-because it is not all officers, it is only a few-let us remember that in every institution, including this House, we have our shortcomings. The law must be allowed to take its course. But that must never be justification for members of the public to take the law into their own hands. That path leads only to disaster and chaos in our country," he said. He raised concerns over the lack of respect for law enforcement. "If you want to know the cost of chaos, withdraw police from the streets for just one day and allow everyone to roam freely-whether they are picketing, demonstrating, or mobilising looters, as we have seen in recent days. An ungoverned environment breeds violence," he stated. Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma urged the House to support the NPSC nominees, saying the appointments come at a time when the balance between law enforcement and protection of civil liberties is under strain. He insisted that the new commissioners must uphold justice and fairness. "I see a challenge before us, a challenge that requires us to begin thinking deeply about how we can enjoy our fundamental freedoms while remaining fully aware that these freedoms have limits," said Kaluma. While emphasising the importance of a functioning police service, Kaluma cautioned against excusing misconduct, stating that rogue officers must be held accountable. "Those officers who misbehave must be held accountable, swiftly and in accordance with the law, as we are already doing. Let them allow our police officers the space to act professionally, while equally ensuring that Kenyans enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear or intimidation," he stated. Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino called for urgent reforms to restore professionalism, discipline, and public trust in Kenya's police service. Owino supported the new NPSC commissioners, saying they must face the challenges confronting the country's security sector head-on. "This is one area where we spend a lot of money annually. These persons vetted have their work clearly cut out-to transform the police service into an accountable, transparent, professional, and disciplined institution." He also condemned incidents in Nairobi where groups of young people were spotted roaming the streets armed with clubs, regretting that a breakdown in law and order threatens national stability and reputation. "Kenya is a respected nation, and such displays are not welcome," he noted. The legislator also raised concerns over stagnation in police career progression, saying it undermines morale. He emphasised the need for structured discipline, fair transfers, and robust capacity building across the ranks of the service. On his part, Funyula MP Dr Wilberforce Oundo supported Kaluma, even as he painted a grim picture of morale within the service. He attributed the breakdown in relations to systemic issues within the force.He cited poor welfare, inadequate remuneration, and lack of operational resources as some of the systemic issues that should be urgently addressed. "Truth be told and without any bias, the relationship between the Kenyan Police Service and the general public could be considered to be at its lowest point ever. It is disheartening that in this day and age, many police officers lack vehicles to get to work," Oundo said. He also called for the need to address mental health challenges among officers, saying that the poor conditions they have been working in have contributed to a demoralised force. But he condemned the use of excessive force by some officers, terming it unacceptable for any officer to brutalise a fellow Kenyan. "This Parliament must support reforms that will transform the police from being perceived as a brutal force into a people-centred service-one that is not weaponised to settle political scores," he affirmed. Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo added his voice, saying there is need for a fresh and transformative approach in the Commission. He condemned an incident where a young vendor was fatally shot by police, saying such acts erode public trust. "We are looking forward to injecting new brains and new ideas-individuals who will not merely replicate the actions of their predecessors but will instead transform the commission," he said.He added, "This young man was unarmed. He did not resist arrest. He did not run. It is worrying that someone so defenceless could be met with such excessive force." He called for caution to ensure that Kenyans do not lose confidence in the country's leadership, even as he criticised the Government for the numerous unmet police promises, including poor working conditions. The MP, however, supported the new NPSC appointees and called for their support to implement meaningful reforms. "Some of these nominees are people we know. They are competent, capable, and ready to serve," he noted.

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