Disband police! Hussein Khalid slams NPS as murderous and irredeemable
By Nancy Marende, August 6, 2025Human rights activist Hussein Khalid has condemned the National Police Service, describing it as murderous, corrupt, and irredeemable, and calling for its disbandment if it cannot be reformed to serve the public.
In a press briefing issued on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, during the burial of Jahet Shikikoti, who was shot dead along Ngong Road during protests, Khalid declared that Kenya would never achieve true freedom as long as the current policing system remains in place.
“We have a murderous, corrupt police service in our hands that is irredeemable. Kenya will never be free if the police remain as they are,” he stated.
The Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) emphasised that the continued existence of a rogue policing system poses a serious threat to the country’s democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
“If the police will not serve us, then they must be removed. Either we abolish this system of policing, or we allow it to destroy everything we hold dear,” he added.
Police reforms
His remarks come a month after Members of Parliament threw their weight behind the nomination of new commissioners to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), emphasising 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 on June 17, 2025, 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. 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,” he stated.
While emphasising 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 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.
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.