×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Informed Minds Prefer The Standard
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

Back in the day when police did not need pockets

When President Jomo Kenyatta inspected Women police at a passing out parade in October 1970. [Archives, Standard]

As Kenya contemplates having thousands of police officers scouring the breath and length of the country without a pocket to put a handkerchief of spare magazine, there was a time society cared about crime busters.

The idea of having a police uniform without pockets is informed by the country's desire to minimise bribe-taking by officers. This has not always been the case. When a gang raided Kaptagat Forest Station, they had in their sights a Sh13,000 heist.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week
Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimized reading experience
  • Weekly Newsletters
  • MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted
Already a subscriber? Log in