NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 9 – When the 10 newly graduated General Service Unit officers recorded a video, that has since gone viral, they were full of excitement having finished a rigorous 9-month training, to join one of the most respected units of the National Police Service.
But it is their words that have now landed them in trouble. They promised wrath on the taxpayers, whose resources were spent to have them trained.
“We are the bad ones…” one of the officers while making creepy facial expressions said.
One thing was however clear from the video; they were proud to be in the service.
“We are representing the red berets,” another said, before suggestively adding, “we are coming out there.”
Following a widespread outcry from a section of Kenyans on social media, the National Police Service (NPS) has now kicked off an internal review of the incident.
The police headquarters described their sentiments as “irresponsible and reckless.”
“Attention of the NPS is drawn to a video clip circulating on social media depicting newly graduated GSU officers recording themselves as they make some irresponsible and reckless remarks,” the police headquarters said Tweet.
It is believed that the video was recorded shortly after President Uhuru Kenyatta concluded presiding over the 48th passing-out-parade of the General Service Unit (GSU) at the National Police College Embakasi B Campus in Nairobi County.
He had just asked the officers to use their weapons to protect Kenyans and not to kill them.
The police service has been battling a tainted image over cases of extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, and other forms of excesses.
It is even worrying since the country is headed to an electioneering period, when such vices are rampant according to available statistics, collated by human rights organizations.
For some Kenyans, the officers were just excited, just like any other person on their graduation day.
“We wish to clarify and assure the public that the behaviour portrayed in the clip is not acceptable and does not reflect the values of the GSU, KPS, and the NPS. All graduands went through a rigorous value-based training modeled on democratic policing principles and designed to make them responsive and responsible officers of the law at the service of citizens,” the Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai led service said.
The remarks, NPS said were, “regrettable and stand condemned. An internal review is ongoing with a view of preferring appropriate measures regarding the incident. GSU is renown for its focused training aimed at producing highly disciplined and responsible officers,”
Some 2,502 GSU officers graduated during Wednesday’s ceremony.
The President urged the new officers to uphold the law and abide by the rules and regulations of the service while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Kenyans.
“To serve successfully you must uphold the law, abide by all applicable rules and regulations, follow the orders of your superior officers and above all, commit to serving this nation with courage, integrity, discipline and honour.
“As custodians of public safety and our internal security, you are the watchers on the wall who safeguard our rights, freedoms and our way of life. You must live true to the oath you have taken and at all times, whether on duty or otherwise, be model officers whom others will emulate,” President Kenyatta said.
Acknowledging that the officers are joining the security sector at a time when the society at large is experiencing significant transformation and advancements in technology and external cultural influences, President Kenyatta asked them to adapt to the dynamic security environment.
“You will, therefore, be required to operate in an environment that is quite distinct from that which prevailed at the beginning of this century. The needs and expectations of Kenyans have also increased, particularly since the promulgation of the new Constitution in the year 2010,” the President said.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)
