Aasai

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned members of the public against showing disrespect toward police officers while they are on duty, emphasizing that mutual accountability is essential in maintaining law and order in the country.

Speaking  today during a media briefing on Monday, CS Murkomen expressed concern over the growing  and increasing trend of hostility towards police officers, stating that while there are ongoing efforts to promote professionalism within the police force, citizens must also uphold their civic duty by respecting law enforcement officers.

“There has been a noticeable rise in incidents where police officers, while executing their lawful duties, are being subjected to verbal abuse, physical attacks, and even targeted violence,” he said. “As we relentlessly advocate for appropriate conduct by the police, there must be a reciprocal emphasis on the responsibility of citizens to show respect. Just as police officers are held accountable and subjected to public scrutiny, citizens too must understand that their actions are not beyond reproach.”

Murkomen stressed that such negative interactions not only disrupt law enforcement operations but also reflect a deeper societal issue that must be addressed. He pointed to recent troubling events, including the forceful entry into protected government premises such as Parliament and police stations, and cases where mobs have torched police vehicles or destroyed public infrastructure.

“These incidents are not only unlawful but extremely dangerous. They show a worrying disregard for the rule of law and the critical role of security institutions in safeguarding national stability,” the CS warned.

He also condemned the increasing cases of mob justice in the country , banditry, and illegal possession of firearms, noting that such behaviors pose a grave threat to national peace and undermine the progress made in strengthening Kenya’s internal security framework.

To address these challenges and improve public trust in the police service unit , Murkomen announced a set of reforms aimed at modernizing the operations of the National Police Service. Among the major initiatives is a plan to install CCTV surveillance systems in all police stations across the country.

The CS revealed that while some police stations already have CCTV cameras, these were implemented through informal arrangements and lacked proper oversight. Going forward, he said, the installation of CCTV systems will be standardized and made mandatory in all stations nationwide.

Murkomen confirmed that all 1,209 police stations in Kenya will be equipped with CCTV cameras within two years, with each Officer Commanding Station (OCS) responsible for managing the surveillance systems. This move, he noted, is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in policing operations.

“The process of reforming our police service will be progressive and firmly anchored in the values enshrined in our Constitution. It will also reflect global best practices and be guided by the pursuit of justice and professionalism,” he added.

The Interior Ministry, in collaboration with other government stakeholders, will continue pushing for reforms that enhance the safety and security of all Kenyans while promoting a culture of mutual respect between law enforcement officers and the public.