Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come to the defense of the Kenya National Police Service (NPS), describing it as the most professional police force in Africa, even as it continues to face intense public scrutiny and criticism.
Murkomen made the remarks during a State House breakfast event on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, held in honour of Kenya Police FC and Kenya Police Bullets following their historic double victory in the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season.
For the first time in the FKF Premier League’s history, a single franchise managed by the National Police Service secured both the men’s and women’s league titles in the same season.
Murkomen Hails Police Service Amid Rising Criticism
The Cabinet Secretary used the platform to challenge what he termed as a misleading narrative surrounding the NPS, emphasizing that Kenyan officers continue to show commendable professionalism despite operating in one of the continent’s most politically volatile environments.
“If you listen to the conversation going across the country, you would imagine there is a crisis in the National Police Service,” Murkomen stated.
“Let me tell you, Your Excellency, this is the most professional police service on the continent. And I’m saying that because Kenya is the country that has the most difficult political environment to operate in as a police officer.”
He acknowledged the complex dynamics Kenyan officers face, caught between a demanding public and political leaders who often criticize their operations without fully supporting their work.
“On one hand, the police are extremely constricted in what they can and cannot do when it comes to managing the public and making sure there is law and order,” Murkomen said.
“On the other hand, you have a population and political leadership that is very belligerent in supporting the work of police officers.”
Calling for Civility and Appreciation of Freedoms
Murkomen implored Kenyans to exercise restraint when expressing political grievances. He argued that the public should recognize the government’s leniency in allowing free speech, especially on digital platforms.
Comparing Kenya to countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, Murkomen pointed out that individuals in those nations would face immediate law enforcement action for online posts threatening or mocking government institutions.
“In the UK, if any person tweeted or made a post saying they would be visiting Buckingham Palace, nobody would wait for them to come to the streets. They will be picked from their own houses and they will be charged” he said.
“I have lived and studied in the US and if an American citizen was to write on social media, ‘let us go and invade White House’ the Secret Service will pick them from their homes.”
He suggested that Kenya’s tolerance toward provocative statements such as threats to storm State House or Parliament should not be taken for granted.
“It is only in Kenya where a Citizen will say they will invade Parliament, the Judiciary, State House, and they walk scot-free and even when taken to court they will be released,” he said.
Protest Motives Questioned
Murkomen also questioned the legitimacy of recent calls to return to the streets, especially from protestors citing police brutality during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. He insisted that the government has already initiated legal processes to address misconduct within the police force.
“You look at the reasons that have been provided, you find people looking for every reason to come to the streets to cause mayhem and stone people’s businesses,” he said.
