Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims of a parallel command structure within the National Police Service, describing the reports as false and misleading.
Murkomen said all units within the National Police Service operate under the established command structure headed by the Inspector General of Police.
“Those who are suggesting that there are units in the NPS that operate outside the command of the IG are false propagandists,” Murkomen said on Friday
The CS also defended the conduct of police officers and expressed confidence in Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s leadership.
He said the Government would continue supporting the National Police Service while protecting its independence from external interference.
“We will continue to support the independence of the NPS from any external interference,” he said.
Murkomen said the Government was committed to implementing recommendations contained in the Maraga-led National Taskforce on Police Reforms.
He said the reforms were aimed at creating a professional, properly equipped and people-centred police service.
According to Murkomen, the Government has already improved the training curriculum for police recruits.
“One of the things that have been done is to improve the curriculum. It now includes training on human rights, constitutionalism and the rule of law,” he said.
He said the reforms also cover the modernisation of police equipment and the integration of technology into security operations and service delivery.
Police welfare has also been prioritised, with the Government focusing on access to medical care, improved remuneration and expansion of the police housing programme.
“We are focusing more on mental health, making sure medical facilities and insurance cover are improved, and also their basic salary has increased significantly,” Murkomen said.
The CS spoke at the National Police College in Embakasi during the 59th Passing-Out Parade of Administration Police Service recruits.
He commended the officers for successfully completing their training, saying their deployment would strengthen the capacity of the National Police Service.
The new officers are expected to complement efforts to combat banditry and terrorism, enhance border security and improve police response capabilities.
Their deployment will also help address personnel shortages within the Service.
President William Ruto, who presided over the ceremony, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to police reforms.
Ruto said the reform programme was being implemented in the public interest and financed through public resources.
“This entire reform programme is undertaken in the public interest and financed with public resources,” the President said. He urged the new officers to exercise restraint, accountability and humanity when enforcing law and order.