Murkomen tells politicians to keep off recruitment of police reservists
He cautioned individuals exploiting insecurity for personal gain, saying stern action will be taken against them
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has told politicians to keep off in the recruitment of National Police Reservists (NPRS)
Speaking during a security meeting at Kambi Samaki in Baringo County, the CS cautioned individuals exploiting insecurity for personal gain, saying stern action will be taken against them.
“We will agree on how the new NPRs will be recruited to replace those removed or dead. We must ensure the community is participating and sub-county security teams must participate, that past practice where we left the process to politicians to pick NPRs, that has ended,” he stated.
Murkomen appealed to the community to actively engage in the process alongside the sub-county security committee teams.
The former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator stated that a background check shall be done to clear those being recruited into NPRS, as he added that NPRS will have an accountability mechanism to report to the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS).
“We don’t want to train militia. We do not want instances where the government has trained and armed NPRs, and then they go and commit crime. Because you accepted to work under the NPS as part of the police, you will be the most sought criminal before those in the field, even after being sacked, you will be under consistent surveillance, as it’s our responsibility to be checked,” he stated.
Murkomen revealed that 25 rogue police reservists from different counties have been arrested or fired in the volatile Kerio Valley in the past 2 years.
Earlier in the week, Murkomen announced reforms to streamline operations of police reservists, including a nationwide re-vetting and fresh training, establishment of a clearer command structure and improving their welfare which will include enhanced stipend and medical cover.
He further revealed that the Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) team based in Chemolingot, Baringo County, and mounted operations have led to the recovery of 17,000 livestock, seized 200 firearms and more than 200 suspects arrested in Kerio Valley.
