Blatant defiance: Uniform scandal that is eroding police discipline

Police officers disperse protestors in Kisii town, on June 25, 2025. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] The continued use of jungle-green camouflage uniforms by the Kenya Police during routine patrols and urban crowd control, such as during street protests, constitutes a breach of protocol and a blatant display of indiscipline that contravenes police regulations. This rarely addressed misconduct starkly violates the National Police Service Standing Orders, a set of official guidelines designed to govern the structure, conduct, discipline, and operations of police officers in Kenya. What is more alarming is that this uniform violation appears to emanate from the highest levels of command, beginning with Inspector General Douglas Kanja, his two deputies Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, and trickling down the ranks to junior officers. This points to a culture of impunity and a breakdown in the chain of command. During protests held in the wake of the death in custody of Albert Ojwang, two rogue officers, Masinde Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, were caught on camera shooting a defenseless civilian in broad daylight on a Nairobi street. The alleged shooter was clad in the contentious jungle camouflage fatigues, an outfit clearly inappropriate for urban crowd control, complete with a matching camo cap. Yet, because this issue of uniform indiscipline seemingly begins at the top, none of the senior commanders have addressed it publicly. The Standard attempted to ascertain the official police uniform from the National Police Service spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, but received no response. Repeated text messages went unanswered. "It speaks volumes," said George Musamali, a former General Service Unit (GSU) instructor and security analyst. "Sometimes you wonder what kind of police service we have in this country. Indiscipline, a collapsed command structure, it's all there for everyone to see. If we can't follow the law when it comes to something as basic as uniforms, then what else are we getting wrong? The officer caught on camera pulling the trigger on that hawker, was he appropriately dressed for a crowd-control operation? The answer is a resounding no." Increasingly, Kenyans are witnessing a theatre of confusion, where the distinction between official policing and rogue behaviour is becoming dangerously blurred. With a patchwork of uniforms on display, it is becoming more difficult to distinguish legitimate officers from imposters. This grey area has become an ideal cover for both rogue officers and criminals seeking to evade accountability. However, the truth is both straightforward and well-documented. The official attire of the Kenyan police, including when and where it should be worn, is clearly laid out in the National Police Service Standing Orders. These regulations are designed to uphold discipline, integrity, and lawful conduct within the force. "The fact that these rules are being ignored is a scandal in itself," adds Musamali. Appendix 31 of the Standing Orders clearly defines the police uniform and outlines the circumstances in which specific attire should be worn. For routine urban patrols, including the management of public unrest, the authorised uniform is the Persian/light blue shirt paired with dark navy trousers and sweaters, a uniform introduced in 2018. This standard police attire, complete with visible name tags and service numbers, was designed to promote transparency and foster public trust. The jungle-green camouflage uniform, by contrast, is specifically reserved for certain specialised units, such as the Administration Police, the General Service Unit, and other tactical formations. It is strictly designated for specific operations, including counter-terrorism, anti-banditry missions, and border patrols, not for routine city patrols, general duties, or public events. Any deviation from the gazetted uniform types, without formal authorisation from the Inspector General (IG), is considered a disciplinary offense under the Standing Orders. "No police officer shall wear any unauthorised dress or alteration of the standard police uniform as set out in the official kit lists," the Standing Orders state. In 2018, then Inspector General Joseph Boinnet reinforced these directives by stating that the jungle-green camouflage uniform, consisting of jacket and trousers, was to be worn strictly during specialised operations or within designated operational zones. Officers who wear this uniform during routine urban duties are, therefore, openly defying police regulations, an unmistakable act of indiscipline. Yet despite Boinnet's clear guidance, successive Inspectors General, including Hilary Mutyambai, Japhet Koome, and now Douglas Kanja, have repeatedly contradicted the Standing Orders in public. Kanja, who is expected to set the standard, has on multiple occasions appeared in jungle camouflage uniform during official press conferences and even while addressing Parliament, with apparent impunity. "This isn't a matter of opinion, but one of professional regulation. Wearing jungle-green in non-operational urban settings, including during demonstrations or media briefings, is a clear violation of those rules," says Musamali. "Whenever you see the Inspector General appear in camouflage during periods of political unrest or civil protest, it is often interpreted as a deliberate show of force, a militarisation of policing. And that is not what police officers are meant to represent. It sends an intimidating message; it conveys a military-style command posture," he adds. According to human rights activists, the continued use of jungle-green camouflage by police in inappropriate settings is deeply troubling. "This is outright misconduct. It sets a dangerous precedent for lower-ranking officers and encourages the lawlessness we're witnessing across police units," says Hussein Khalid, a human rights activist with Vocal Africa. A general duty officer is required to wear a Persian blue shirt (distinct from navy), navy trousers, and a navy beret or cap with the police badge. Footwear must be black tactical or formal boots. The shirt must display an embroidered name tag and service number, with the Kenya Police insignia on the left chest or shoulder. Rank epaulettes are mandatory for senior officers. For traffic control or night patrols, reflective jackets or vests are allowed. Jungle-green or camouflage attire is strictly prohibited in standard duties. For ceremonial functions like funerals or national events, officers wear a midnight blue tunic, white gloves, polished black footwear, and medals or ribbons. Senior officers wear peak caps; others, berets. The operational uniform, reserved for specialised units like the GSU, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and Rapid Deployment Unit, consists of jungle camouflage gear, tactical boots, vests, and helmets. Officers in high-risk zones may wear body armour. These units often do not display name tags or numbers-a practice criticised for undermining accountability. Traffic police wear a white shirt, navy trousers or skirt, white cap or helmet, and a reflective vest marked "Traffic Police". Consequences of violation Wearing unauthorised uniforms constitutes misconduct and insubordination. Officers may face disciplinary hearings, suspension, rank reduction, or dismissal. The Inspector General or Internal Affairs Unit may investigate high-profile breaches, including funding and sourcing of unauthorised attire. The police uniform procurement process has long been mired in allegations of corruption-irregular tenders, lack of transparency, and manipulation of supply chains. The rollout of the Persian-blue uniform, for example, faced criticism over quality, design flaws, and suspicious features like oversized pockets. Despite a High Court ruling requiring officers to display their identity during protests, impunity prevails. Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in a landmark ruling on 30 April 2024, banned the use of masks, balaclavas, and unmarked vehicles during operations. Officers, however, continue to conceal their faces, as in the fatal shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor. "It took us ages to identify the officer involved, which shows the level of impunity. Why can't senior officers enforce a simple court order?" Khalid asks. When recently questioned, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Sedah responded vaguely. "Masks violate operational principles. We provide respirators for tear gas, but a few officers defy this. We'll be stricter going forward," he said. The ruling followed a petition by the Law Society of Kenya after the fatal police shooting of Rex Masai during last year's anti-tax protests. The judge emphasised that police anonymity fosters impunity and violates constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and lawful policing.

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