Patriotism is devotion to country, not President as some leaders believe

DCI officers and police block former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala from accessing Butere Girls High School students amid controversy over Echoes of War play at Kirobon Girls' School in Nakuru, on April 9, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

A statement by the police on last week's State fiasco in Nakuru vindicates Rigathi Gachagua's claim that messaging across government departments is done from a central point. It is preposterous for the police high command to condemn excessive use of force by police officers who tear-gassed Butere Girls students in Nakuru and arrested former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala over the controversial 'Echoes of war' play.

The police, like the military, is a disciplined service under a hierarchical command system. Orders cascade down, and it is inconceivable that junior officers can act without explicit orders from above.