‘Pay Us Now,’  How Banners Across Nairobi Roads Highlighted Plight Of Police Graduates

NAIROBI,Kenya, Feb, 23 – Valley Road, Waiyaki Way, Wangari Maathai Road, Limuru Road, Murang’a Road and Jogoo Road were the center of attention after scores of banners highlighting the plight of graduate police officers were mounted for all to see on Monday.

In one of the footbridges along Muthurwa Market, where the banner was erected, the victims allege that they have not been paid for four months and as a result scores have been battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Some have been been unable to pay rent and even school fees for their children.

“1,000 graduate officers cry out,” read one of the banners.

It is not yet clear who are behind the erection of the banners even as police and county officials removed the banners from the roads.

Police meanwhile say that they have launched investigations against those suspected to have erected the banners with a view of possible prosecution since they did not seek permission from the relevant authorities.

Nairobi deputy police boss James Mugera said investigations are ongoing.

Observers say that the protests are as a result of salary deductions against graduate officers implemented by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) last year.

The matter is in court with officers seeking a fair judgment on the matter including promotion within the service.

It was expected that the ruling would coincide with the day the banners were erected.

The hearing of the matter was scheduled for February 22, giving an indication the banners were meant to send a ’strong’ message to the concerned parties.

The Employment and Labour Relations Court had advised the aggrieved officers to apply and seek the Police commission to revert to its previous salaries while backdating the payment of other perks after they were described as,”against labour standards.”