Murkomen defends police transfers as safety measure amid unproven accusations
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the frequent transfer of police officers following controversial incidents, saying the move is not meant to protect wrongdoers but to shield innocent officers from baseless accusations and growing tensions with the public.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, May 14, Murkomen said police officers are often targeted with serious allegations without evidence, especially after conflicts with local communities. In such cases, he said, the government opts to transfer them for their safety and to ease tension.
“At times, we move them for their security if they have been accused of committing certain offences and there is no evidence to support the claims. We also move them when they clash with the community, and trust is lost. A new team is then deployed, and the officers are sent to other areas,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen emphasised that police transfers are not always punitive, but preventive. According to him, it is important to ensure that officers are not unfairly judged or endangered in areas where relations with the community have broken down.
“One of the reasons why we move police officers after a certain period is to avoid familiarity that may compromise security. But we also do it to protect officers from being wrongly accused,” he added.
He defended the integrity of the police service, noting that the vast majority of officers perform their duties diligently under very difficult conditions.
Murkomen urged the public to adopt a more compassionate view of the police, recognising them not just as enforcers of the law, but as individuals with personal sacrifices and vulnerabilities.
“Ninety-nine per cent of officers do a good job. As citizens, we must treat our officers as our sons and daughters. Many of them are away from their families, earning meagre salaries, and carrying heavy responsibilities. We must show them compassion,” the Interior CS noted.
Murkomen also raised concerns over the mental health struggles within the police service, linking them to the hostile environments some officers face, and urging the public to support law enforcement rather than vilify them.
“We have so many mental health cases among officers is because of the circumstances, working away from their families, meagre salaries, some are the only breadwinners, as citizens we should sympathise and treat them well. I see police officers being insulted,” he added.
Barikoi incident
His remarks came days after a violent confrontation between police and residents in Ang’ata Barikoi left five people dead. The incident sparked outrage after officers were accused of using excessive force on protesters.
In response, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome Kanja promised swift action against any officers found guilty of wrongdoing. He assured the public that the law would take its course.
“Polisi yeyote ambaye ameoperate outside the law anabeba msalaba wake. Tuko pamoja, mtu yeyote ambaye amefanya kazi kinyume cha sheria atabeba msalaba wake,” Kanja declared.
Kanja also announced the immediate transfer of senior police and GSU officers stationed in the area. He said the move was aimed at calming tensions and allowing for independent investigations.
“DCIO huyo atolewe hapa, apelekwe mahali ingine. Amin huyo peleka huko kwako headquarters. Wale maafisa wako hapa wa GSU commander, toa hapa hapa, wapeleke mahali engine,” Kanja ordered.
Despite the move, many Kenyans online expressed scepticism, questioning whether the transfers were genuine disciplinary actions or simply a way to shield the officers from accountability.
