Members of Parliament on Tuesday threw their weight behind the nomination of new commissioners to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), emphasizing the urgent need for far-reaching police reforms amid growing public anger over alleged brutality and a deteriorating relationship between law enforcement and citizens.
Led by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, the legislators urged the House to support the nominees, saying the appointments come at a critical time when the balance between law enforcement and protection of civil liberties is under strain.
“Honourable Speaker, I see a challenge before us,” Kaluma stated. “A challenge that requires us to begin thinking deeply about how we can enjoy our fundamental freedoms, while remaining fully aware that these freedoms have limits.”
While emphasizing the importance of a functioning police service, Kaluma cautioned against excusing misconduct, stressing that rogue officers must be held accountable.
“Those officers who misbehave must be held accountable, swiftly and in accordance with the law, as we are already doing,” he said.
Kaluma noted that the new commissioners must uphold justice and fairness.
“Let them allow our police officers the space to act professionally, while equally ensuring that Kenyans enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms without fear or intimidation.”
His sentiments were echoed by Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo, who painted a grim picture of morale within the service.
“Truth be told and without any bias, the relationship between the Kenyan Police Service and the general public could be considered to be at its lowest point ever,” Oundo said.
He attributed the breakdown in relations to systemic issues within the police force, including poor welfare, inadequate remuneration, and a lack of operational resources.
“It is disheartening, Mr. Speaker, that in this day and age, many police officers lack vehicles to get to work. Even where police cars exist, many stations do not have a proper fuel allocation,” he said.
Oundo emphasized the need to address mental health challenges among officers, warning that poor conditions are contributing to an overstretched and demoralized force.
However, he condemned the use of excessive force by some officers, citing a personal account of an unarmed, homeless man being fatally shot by police.
“It is completely unacceptable for any officer to brutalize a fellow human being… This Parliament must support reforms that will transform the police from being perceived as a brutal force into a people-centered service one that is not weaponized to settle political scores,” he added.
Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo also weighed in, calling for a fresh and transformative approach in the Commission.
“We are looking forward to injecting new brains and new ideas individuals who will not merely replicate the actions of their predecessors but will instead transform the commission,” he said.
Ngogoyo decried a recent incident in which a young vendor was fatally shot by police in town, saying such acts erode public trust.
“This young man was unarmed. He did not resist arrest. He did not run. It is worrying that someone so defenseless could be met with such excessive force,” he lamented.
He likened the state of police leadership to a shepherd who has lost sight of his flock.
“Let us be cautious not to lose the confidence and trust of Kenyans in the process of leading them.”
Ngogoyo criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration, under which many promises to the police remain unmet.
“We made a solemn promise to the police service that we would improve their working conditions. The truth is, the majority of these promises remain unfulfilled,” he said.
Still, he expressed support for the new appointees, urging Parliament to empower them to lead meaningful reforms.
