People wearing camouflage and other security uniforms without authority will soon face arrest after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed police to crack down on criminals impersonating officers and misusing the image of the country's security agencies.
Murkomen said the Government would no longer tolerate individuals who dress like security officers to deceive the public, offer illegal security services or infiltrate political gatherings, warning that such actions threaten public confidence in law enforcement.
The Cabinet Secretary issued the directive to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja while speakingon Thursday during the 11th Special Operations Group (SOG) graduation ceremony at Kamanga Training Camp in Samburu County.
He said security uniforms represent the authority of the State and should never be used by criminals seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting Kenyans.
“I have told the Inspector General of Police that he must move with speed and arrest all criminals who wear camouflage uniforms, pretending to be Special Operations Groups or police officers,” Murkomen said.
According to the CS, some of those wearing camouflage and similar uniforms have recently been appearing at political meetings under the pretext of providing security despite having no legal mandate to do so.
He warned that behind the uniforms were individuals whose intention was to create disorder while taking advantage of the public trust enjoyed by genuine security officers.
“While in real sense they are goons wearing uniforms or jungle uniforms that look like those that are worn by our security officers,” he said.
Murkomen said preserving the dignity and credibility of Kenya's security agencies also required protecting the uniforms officers wear from abuse by criminals.
“We must protect the integrity of the security officers, including their uniform,” he said.
His remarks came as a new batch of Special Operations Group officers completed specialised training to strengthen the country's response to terrorism, organised crime, banditry and other security threats.
Murkomen said today's security challenges require highly trained personnel, better intelligence gathering, modern equipment and stronger coordination among agencies tasked with protecting the country.
He described the Special Operations Group as a key unit in fighting violent extremism, breaking organised criminal networks, tackling cross-border crime and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
The Cabinet Secretary also praised the close cooperation between the National Intelligence Service, National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, National Government Administration Officers and other security agencies, saying their joint operations had delivered positive results.
“The successes we have recorded against terrorism, banditry, transnational crime, and other emerging threats have been made possible through close collaboration” among security agencies, Murkomen said.
He added that lasting peace remained the foundation of economic growth, noting that investors, businesses, farmers, tourists and ordinary citizens all rely on a secure environment to succeed.
“The Government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda cannot succeed without peace and security,” he said.
Murkomen challenged the graduating officers to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity as they begin their new assignments, saying the Special Operations Group had already made a strong contribution in weakening terrorist and bandit networks while helping restore public confidence in affected areas.
He assured the officers of the Government's continued support and encouraged them to serve the country with courage and integrity.