The National Police Service (NPS) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security through intelligence-led operations, even as it reports a 5 per cent reduction in crime rates in 2025 compared to the previous year.
In a press briefing issued at the National Police Service Headquarters in Nairobi, Inspector-General (IG) Douglas Kanja affirmed that the Service continues to operate as a ‘professional, disciplined, transparent and accountable national security organ’ guided by the Constitution and human rights standards.
“The National Police Service stands as a professional, disciplined, transparent and accountable national security organ, executing a pivotal mandate to safeguard Kenya’s national security,” assured the IG.
He noted that the Service has intensified multi-agency operations targeting terrorism, organised criminal networks, cybercrime, banditry and illicit drugs, resulting in what he termed ‘substantial inroads’ in combating insecurity.
Notably, the police leadership also highlighted Kenya’s growing international role in peace and security, citing the country’s participation in the UN-backed, Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti aimed at stabilising the Caribbean nation. Kenyan officers are also deployed in peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the IG raised concern over what he described as an emerging pattern of coordinated attacks on police stations, officers, and critical infrastructure across several counties.
“These incidents are not merely unlawful; they represent a grave and direct assault on national security, public safety and community stability,” Kanja highlighted, warning that attacks on police installations undermine the safety of citizens.
Importantly, he stressed that police stations remain the ‘bedrock of public safety’ and vowed a decisive response to prevent further escalation, adding that the Service had activated comprehensive lawful strategies in collaboration with other security agencies and the public to apprehend perpetrators.
The NPS also condemned what it termed rising political violence and thuggery, accusing unnamed political actors of using criminal gangs to instigate unrest.
“The alarming surge in political violence and thuggery… constitutes a direct threat to national security and will not be tolerated,” the IG warned, emphasising that all perpetrators and their enablers would face the full force of the law ‘regardless of their status or position in society’.
Further, Kanja urged members of the public to refrain from attacking police stations, engaging in arson or vandalism, and participating in unlawful assemblies that could escalate into violence.
He also encouraged citizens to respect lawful instructions from officers and report suspicious activity to security agencies.
At the same time, the IG assured Kenyans of their safety, insisting that the country remains secure due to the dedication of officers serving across various formations.
“We reassure all Kenyans, residents and visitors that Kenya remains safe and secure. The public is urged to go about their daily business without fear,” he reaffirmed.
On the other hand, Kanja reiterated that all police officers must adhere strictly to the Constitution, the National Police Service Act and standing orders, emphasizing professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights.
“Every action must be lawful, proportionate and professional. Respect for human rights, due process and the rule of law is non-negotiable,” he outlined.
Meanwhile, the NPS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order while ensuring accountability within its ranks, warning that misconduct will attract immediate disciplinary action.
By Michael Omondi
