Keep Police Officers Out Of Your Political Rhetoric, Matiang’i Urges Politicians

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul, 13 – Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i has urged politicians not to drag security officers into election-related disagreements and unwarranted criticism.

He said that such acts are likely to undermine the morale and the focus of the officers which could end up affecting their preparedness for the August 9 polls.

“I know that we are in the campaign season, but I would like to ask our political leaders to keep all of us out of the political environment, not to politicise security matters, and not to undermine the image and the work that security officers do,” the CS said.

He said although the competition for elective offices was likely to intensify as the poll date nears, the required neutrality of security officers must be respected and upheld by all aspirants.

“I understand that nerves are high and frustrations are there. Resorting to attacking security officers will not win you votes. Many of those that you are undermining are people who command the teams that provide you with security. Please restrain yourselves.”

He was speaking during the passing out of 451 Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) who have completed the Administrative Officers Paramilitary Course at the AP Training College in Embakasi.

The training is designed to equip the officers with practical skills in grassroots security operations. It is tailored to align their operations with the changing global security challenges including radicalization, terrorism and emerging social-cultural crimes.

The CS urged the administrators to resist attempts to drag them into political camps and affiliations and to uphold the law firmly and objectively.

“I know each one of us has a vote and will vote for someone. That is inclination. But we also have an obligation under the law to be objective, fair, and firm to ensure justice is done to every Kenyan, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or creed.”

The ceremony was also attended by Interior PS Dr. Karanja Kibicho, Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai and other top security leaders.