The government has warned reservists graduating from paramilitary training colleges against misusing the firearms issued to them and vowed to prosecute those found flouting the directive.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said any officer who uses a government-issued weapon to attack other communities or engage in unlawful activities will face prosecution.
Murkomen also cautioned the NPRs against being used by politicians, urging them to remain professional and avoid involvement in political incitement ahead of the next General Election.
“The government will take drastic action against reservist found misusing the firearms issued to them.Any officer who uses a government-issued weapon to attack other communities or engage in unlawful activities will face prosecution. We are also cautioning the NPRs against being used by politicians. They should remain professional and avoid involvement in political incitement ahead of the next General Election,” said the Interior CS.
Speaking during the passing-out ceremony, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the graduation marks a significant step in enhancing community-based policing, particularly in pastoralist regions affected by cattle rustling and banditry.
A total of 705 National Police Reservists (NPRs) drawn from 10 counties have graduated from the newly established Magado Field Training Camp in Meru County following a one-month intensive security training aimed at strengthening policing in bandit-prone and border regions ahead of the next General Election.
The reservists, who included 11 chiefs and seven women, were recruited from Laikipia, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, Isiolo, Meru, Marsabit, Kitui, Tana River and West Pokot.
The chiefs were incorporated into the training to enhance security coordination in areas where regular police stations are limited.
Speaking during the passing-out ceremony, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the graduation marks a significant step in enhancing community-based policing, particularly in pastoralist regions affected by cattle rustling and banditry.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the newly trained reservists will increase the National Police Service’s operational capacity in remote areas where insecurity remains a challenge.
“The uniform you wear carries the trust of Kenyans and visitors. Hold firmly to the values of integrity, discipline and service. The coming election period will test your impartiality, and you must remain politically neutral,” said Kanja.
He urged the reservists to take care of their physical and mental well-being as they undertake security duties in difficult environments.
Murkomen noted that more than 10,000 police officers have graduated recently, and together with the 705 newly trained police reservists, they will strengthen security operations across the country, particularly as Kenya approaches the election period.
He revealed that over 3,000 illegal firearms and 8,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered through intelligence provided by National Police Reservists operating in local communities.
The Interior CS directed that all serving NPRs, estimated at about 8,000 officers, undergo refresher training at Magado within the next eight months to improve their effectiveness and enhance cooperation among communities from insecurity-prone regions.
He said bringing rival communities together for joint training will promote cohesion, collaboration and intelligence sharing in the fight against banditry and other security threats.
The ceremony was attended by DIG-Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, National Police College Main Campus Commandant Munga Nyale, Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma, and other senior security officers.
