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Police car patrolling and using tear-gass to disperse Kenyans on Saba Saba Day, 7 July, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Waswahili say baniani mbaya, kiatu chake dawa. And so it is that while police officers are among the most scorned and dreaded professionals in Kenya, this undisciplined country would degenerate into anarchy and chaos if the men and women in blue laid down arms for a mere 24 hours. Here are ten types of cops you are likely to meet.

  1. The good cop

Solid as a brick, competent, intelligent and straight as an arrow, this is a jolly good fellow. Professional to the hilt, he or she knows the law, doesn't cut corners, often goes beyond the call of duty and is brave, respectful, a good listener, humane and understanding. You never ever forget their professionalism and kindness - even when they get you fined or jailed.

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