The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has donated Sh500,000 towards commemoration service for families of departed police officers.
The annual memorial service held at the National Police College ‘A’ Campus Embakasi, Nairobi, was led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and attended by Inspector General of the National Police Service Japhet Koome, senior and junior officers as well as families of the fallen heroes,
During the service in honour of fallen heroes and heroines, it emerged that 35 police officers and 2 prison officers died while tackling security challenges including banditry.
Names released at the Joint Commemorative Service for National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service showed 24 victims were members of the regular police, 10 the Administration Police, 2 prison officers and a detective attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
During the event which celebrates police and prison officers who laid their lives while executing their mandate, wreaths were laid at the monument with the names of the fallen heroes and heroines.
Data released in December 2022 indicated that 54 police officers and four prisons officers had died on duty since November 2021.
In his remarks, IG Koome condoled with the families who lost their loved ones and added that the NPS will continue to support them after one of the widows pleaded with the government to take care of the welfare of the families left behind including providing them with job opportunities.
“Today we remember our heroes, the departed colleagues who paid the ultimate price while protecting our country. We pay tribute to our fallen heroes for their service. To the families who lost their loved ones, do not despair, we will stand with you.” Koome said.
He further called on the police officers across the country to put God first while executing their mandate which he said is full of challenges.
The IG added that they will continue serving Kenyans without fear or favour putting criminal elements across the country on notice.
Koome further called on police to use their weapons whenever necessary according to the law to protect their lives and lives of Kenyans and their property.
He also advised officers to avoid abusing drugs substances including alcohol which he said has tainted the image of the service.
The IG singled out the case of a Nakuru officer who discharged his service weapon after disagreement on settling of the bills.
“The issue of alcohol abuse among our officers is becoming a huge problem. Let us avoid abusing alcohol because it will affect your service delivery. It is useless. As the senior officers we have resolved to lead by example by drinking responsible,” he said.
IG Koome further called on the officers across the country to live within their means and avoid peer pressure.
Commissioner General Prisons Service, John Kebaso Warioba also pledged to support the families of prison officers who lost their lives while on duty.
“I want to assure the families that we are available to provide any support they may require in processing of the compensation among others,” he said.
Present at the event were the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Correctional Services, Salome Wairimu Muhia-Beacco, Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)Chairperson Anne Makori and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration Police) Noor Gabow.
