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Change police uniform; Matiang’i was wrong, Olekina urges President Ruto

By Kevin Cheruiyot September 28th, 2022 2 min read

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has called on President William Ruto’s administration to make good their campaign pledge of changing the uniform of the National Police Service.

The senator, who is a close ally to Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition leader Mr Raila Odinga, now wants the Persian-blue uniform that was introduced by former president Uhuru Kenyatta to be changed.

Olekina has also sharply criticized outgoing Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the changes that were made to police uniforms.

Also read: Matiang’i flaunts Sh600k Breitling Superocean Heritage wristwatch

“The Kenya Police uniforms must be changed… I don’t know what Matiang’i was thinking. Yaani inakaa kama primary school ya China! We must stop this kick back business,” Olekina said.

During the campaigns, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua assured the police that once the Kenya Kwanza Alliance takes over leadership, a number of changes would be introduced to the National Police Service.

While unveiling the new uniform that consists of Persian-blue shirt/blouse, Persian-blue pair of trousers and a beret of the same colour in 2018, the former president said the move would make the police more visible to members of the public.

“The uniform will enhance better visibility for the officers… these reforms are aimed at making the police a service that is respected rather than a force that is feared,” Mr Kenyatta said.

However, a section of Kenyans criticized the colour of the uniform.

Police officers with the new uniform during the National Policing conference at the Kenya School of Government on September 13, 2018. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO
Police officers with the new uniform during the National Policing conference at the Kenya School of Government on September 13, 2018. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO

Also read: Moment when President Ruto shook hands with his ‘sworn enemy’ Matiang’i

On Tuesday when President Ruto announced nominees for Cabinet appointments, Prof Kithure Kindiki was named in the Interior docket, where he will replace Dr Matiang’i.

The president also announced that the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai had tendered his resignation. President Ruto has since nominated Japhet Koome to the position of Inspector General of Police. With the nomination, Koome’s name will now be forwarded to Parliament for approval.

Mr Koome, a former Nairobi County Police Commander, is the current Commandant of the National Police Service College, Kiganjo.

Also read: President William Ruto names his cabinet