Ruto: No police officer should dig into their pocket to buy uniform
President William Ruto has directed the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to ensure the police are well-resourced to perform their duties.
The Head of State asked the police boss to ensure all new recruits get the requisite uniforms from the government, saying no officer should be asked to dig into their pocket to buy police fatigue.
President Ruto spoke when he presided over a pass out for Police Constables in Kiganjo, Njeri county, on Tuesday, January 10.
"As we expect from these great officers to perform their part of the bargain, I expect that on our part we ensure that these officers who leave here today get the requisite uniform," he said.
"I don't expect what has been happening in the past that these officers are asked to go and look for uniforms and buy them using their own money in all manner of places. It's my expectation that these officers will be given the appropriate uniform by the government of Kenya."
Ruto said the uniforms must be of good quality that "meets the standards for our policemen and women who perform a distinguished function in the republic of Kenya".
"I expect that that will be worked out between your office and the minister (Interior) so that the additional resources that are required are provided for so that these officers can wake up in the morning and go to duty knowing very well that the government of Kenya stands ready and behind them as they perform that very important responsibility of protecting the people of Kenya and their lives," the President added.
Reports of police being asked to purchase the new blue police uniform first surfaced in 2020.
The reports indicated that former Nairobi Regional Commander Rashid Yakub had directed police officers to make their own arrangements and secure the uniforms at their cost.
The matter was brought to the attention of the Senate by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei who termed the move as a threat to national security.
“When you go around the city, the ordinary retailers are now making police uniforms. It is becoming a dangerous security threat because somebody can walk to a retailer and get a police uniform and wear it,” Cherargei told the House in September 2020.
The outspoken legislator demanded thorough investigations of the matter by the House Security Committee even as then Police Spokesperson Charles Owino vehemently denied the claims.
“We wish to state that Nairobi area police officers have been fully kitted with the deep blue working dress,” Owino said.
Meanwhile, the President on Tuesday committed to implementing recommendations by the task force established to review the police welfare once ready.
The 22-member task force led by retired Chief Justice David Maraga took oath of office yesterday.
The President has tasked the team with overseeing reforms at the National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service.
"We are going to ensure men in uniform have a career like other careers in the Republic of Kenya," President Ruto said as he urged the new officers to serve with professionalism and without fear or discrimination.
The event was attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria among other leaders.
