Police Spokesman roots for closer working relations with Civil Society Groups

Police spokesperson Charles Owino addressing the press at vigilance house. [Beverlyne Musili/Standard]

The National Police Service (NPS) has said it is prepared to work with civil society organisations to foster peace and security around the country.

Police Spokesman Charles Owino (pictured) yesterday said they were encouraged by organisations that dedicated resources to empower the youth to become law-abiding citizens.

"Police are human rights defenders. We are at your call day and night. I want to reiterate that our work is not to kill, maim or cause injury but to ensure the community lives peacefully," he said.

Mr Owino was speaking in Mombasa when he officiated at the launch of the Youth, Justice and Peace Alliance Training programme, which was organised by Haki Africa and supported by Forum Syd Hub.

Thirty-six participants from six sub-counties have been trained and they are expected to participate in an 18-month exercise where they will serve as peace ambassadors

The group includes 12 assistant county commissioners, 12 ward administrators and 12 youth leaders.

Youth, Sports and Gender Executive Munywoki Kyalo said peace was vital to grow the economy, adding the county could not attract tourists if it was perceived as being dangerous

Haki Africa CEO Hussein Khalid said youth radicalisation could end if police and CSOs worked together.