KBC Channel 1

Tag: National Assembly of Kenya

  • MPs back police reforms amid growing concerns over brutality

    MPs back police reforms amid growing concerns over brutality

    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.

  • Wetang’ula directs House committee to table preliminary report on Albert Ojwang’s death

    Wetang’ula directs House committee to table preliminary report on Albert Ojwang’s death

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula has directed the Departmental Committee on National Security and Administration to table a preliminary report and statement in the House on Thursday at 2:30 PM.

    The report is expected to update the House and the nation on the progress of investigations into the tragic death of Albert Ojwang.

    The directive followed concerns raised by lawmakers, led by Nyando MP Jared Okello, who described the matter as grave and urgent.

    “By all means a very serious matter. Yesterday, yours truly here, and others spoke to it in the same manner that you are speaking. This is, by all means, a very serious matter,” Speaker Wetang’ula said.

    “The chairman of security committee. This matter is causing a lot of anxiety, and the explanations coming out. For those of you who have read the book Steve Biko. It sounds like a Steve Biko story, and I would want to direct the chairman of security. I know Thursday is Budget Day, but we have half an hour before budget starts. You will bring a preliminary report and statement with the House on Thursday at 230 to inform the House and the country the progress so far made in the investigations,” added the Speaker.

    Acknowledging widespread concern among MPs, the Speaker assured members they would have an opportunity to respond once the statement is presented:

    “I know many members have strong views on this matter. Hold your horses, once the statement is presented on Thursday, I will give you an opportunity,” he stated.

    Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who chairs the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security, acknowledged that the death of Albert Ojwang’ is a matter of grave concern not only to Members of Parliament but also too many Kenyans.

    “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family. It is an extremely unfortunate incident that a young Kenyan died at the hands of the police, in a place where he should have felt safe,” said Tongoyo.

    He further assured the House and the public that the committee is taking the matter seriously: “I want to confirm to you, Hon. Speaker, to this House, and to Kenyans, that we are all deeply disturbed. This morning, we officially wrote and the Clerk has already signed letters summoning the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to appear before the committee. They will brief us on the circumstances surrounding the incident and provide an update on the ongoing investigation.”

    Tongoyo committed to presenting a preliminary report as directed: “By Thursday afternoon, as you instructed, I will be in a position to table a preliminary report on the matter.”

    Tharaka MP George Murugara expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a young man under unclear circumstances, which raises serious questions about the integrity of our national police service. He criticized the official statements related to the incident as confusing and lacking clarity.

    Murugara called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to thoroughly investigate and uncover the truth so that justice can be served to the family of the young man who tragically died.

    “Sometimes we wonder why the police service continues to conduct itself in this manner. It begs the question whether their training syllabus has changed since the colonial era, because during the State of Emergency, we saw extrajudicial killings,” he noted.

    “Is this practice still ongoing today?” he asked.

    He further added, “Are there officers, whether senior or junior, who are issuing orders to execute young men? These are questions we must ask ourselves. It is high time we review the qualifications and training of our police officers. Perhaps there are gaps at the entry level or in the training they receive at the Kiganjo Police Training College. Times have changed, and our police service must meet the expectations of today.”

    “Justice must prevail at all times. We must unequivocally condemn extrajudicial killings—they should neither be allowed nor condoned. This House must continue to denounce such acts consistently, day in and day out,” he held.

    Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo expressed deep concern over the tragic death of Albert Ojwang’, lamenting that such incidents continue to occur despite the enactment of a new Constitution that transformed the police force into a service-oriented institution.

    “It is unfortunate that even after we passed a new Constitution to reform the police into a service, we are still witnessing conduct that contradicts that very spirit,” she said.

    Odhiambo called on President William Ruto to ensure that any police officers found culpable in Ojwang’s death are prosecuted without delay. “Those tarnishing the name of the police service must be held accountable. They should be charged and prosecuted swiftly—because justice delayed is justice denied,” she stated.

    She warned against the common trend of cases being abandoned once public anger subsides. “We’ve seen it before—people get arrested, tempers cool down, and then the cases quietly disappear. That cannot happen this time. To show seriousness, this case must be fast-tracked.”

    She further suggested that, if necessary, the government should consider involving external investigators. “The government has in the past engaged international experts. If IPOA is overwhelmed or compromised, perhaps it’s time to bring in external forces to ensure justice is done and seen to be done.”

    Odhiambo also addressed public frustration, emphasizing that Members of Parliament share in the pain and grief. “I understand the public’s anger, but let me remind you, MPs are not responsible for this death. We are hurting too.”

    She added that for those from Homa Bay County, the pain is even deeper. “This is our home. We don’t want our people to be killed. We lost Ong’ondo Were just the other day. Now, we are mourning another young man who lived near him. We want the government to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”

  • Owino demands culpability as parliament backs new police commission nominees

    Owino demands culpability as parliament backs new police commission nominees

    Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino has called for urgent reforms to restore professionalism, discipline, and public trust in Kenya’s police service.

    While backing the nomination of new commissioners to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), Owino said as they assume office they must courageously face the challenges facing country’s security sector.

    “Madam Speaker, this is one area where we spend approximately $1.3 billion every year,” Owino told the House. “These individuals being vetted today have their work clearly cut out — to transform the police service into an accountable, transparent, professional, and disciplined institution.”

    His remarks came against a backdrop of growing concern over the state of policing in the country, particularly amid recent reports of excessive force and growing discontent within the service.

    Owino condemned recent scenes in Nairobi where groups of young people were spotted roaming the streets armed with clubs. “Kenya is a respected nation, and such displays are not welcome,” he said, warning that a breakdown in law and order threatens national stability and the country’s global reputation.

    He urged the incoming commission to urgently fix the police recruitment process, which he described as consistently problematic. “As the mandate of the commission relates to recruitment, a process that has consistently been problematic. I hope the new team will strengthen and reform it,” Owino said.

    He further decried stagnation in police career progression, saying it undermines morale. “Some police officers serve for many years without any upward mobility. That must be addressed squarely to boost morale and fairness within the service.”

    The Ndhiwa legislator emphasized the need for structured discipline, fair transfers, and robust capacity building across the ranks of the service. He called on the commission to anchor all police conduct in the rule of law.

    “Every police officer must be trained to understand that the only document guiding their conduct is the rule of law not powers from above, not instructions from political offices,” he stated.

    He urged Parliament to empower the incoming commissioners with the authority and resources needed to implement meaningful reforms, cautioning that without structural change, the service risks further erosion of public confidence.

    “These are the kinds of capacities we must invest in,” Owino said, “to ensure our police officers serve with integrity and within the legal framework.”