Bruno Shioso must strive to instill culture of common sense

Police officers in combat gear keep vigil at Tala park. [Erastus Mulwa, Standard]

Though he might not admit, Bruno Shioso’s appointment as the next Police Spokesman is baptism by fire.

Shioso is taking over at a time the image of police is tainted by a string of unpleasant incidences involving some officers.

While most officers are disciplined, a few indolent to change are making the police career look bad and undesirable.

Essentially, this negative attitude by the minority is ruining costly reform initiatives painstakingly taken to professionalise and transform police into a world-class service.

A rotten potato spoils the whole bag. It goes without emphasizing that bad actions of a few officers reflect on the image of the entire National Police Service.

Shioso is stepping in when the service is in a spot over corruption allegations and extra-judicial killings linked to some officers.

As late as last week, four officers were accused of transferring to themselves cash from the M-Pesa account belonging to a suspect they had arrested in Ruiru.

On summarily executions, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating several murders of civilians suspected to have been committed by officers, with the latest case being last week’s death of a man in Kayole.

The spokesman’s work is cut out; a full in-tray awaits him. Shioso must clean the image of police and restore public confidence.

As he settles into his new role, perhaps, Shiosho may be tempted to reflect back, borrowing from the wise counsel of Sir Ronald Sinclair on February 28, 1959, when the Chief Justice presided over a passing-out parade at Police Training School.

Sir Sinclair reminded the fresh constables to exercise their immense powers with responsibility, restrain and fairness.

“Remember that you are officers of the law; not merely government servants. Above all, you are servants of the public. Always be honest. Act and behave in such a way that the public have confidence in your honesty and fairness,” advised the Chief Justice.

Sinclair told the officers that their job entailed making instant important decisions without the opportunity of consulting superiors or referring to books. Just use of common sense.

Unfortunately, 62 years later, common sense use seems not to be the practice among some officers. Hopefully, Shioso will strive to instill a culture of common sense for a better police service.