Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the integrity and competence of the Kenya National Police Service, dismissing claims that the institution is in crisis.

Murkomen's sentiments come amid increased scrutiny on police excesses following the deaths of suspects in custody and the handling of protests.

Speaking at a State House breakfast hosted by President William Ruto on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Murkomen described the NPS as the most professional police service on the African continent.

The CS heaped praises on the Service's resilience in the face of political and operational challenges.

Dubbed 'Breakfast with FKF Premier League Champions,' the event was held in honour of Kenya Police FC and the Kenya Police Bullets, who clinched their respective Football Kenya Federation Premier League titles.

While the occasion was celebratory, Murkomen seized the opportunity to push back against what he termed as unfair criticism directed at the police.

"Lastly, let me say that if you listen to the conversation going across the country, you would imagine there is a crisis in the National Police Service. Let me tell you, Your Excellency, this is the most professional police service on the continent. The most," Murkomen stated.

Murkomen argued that these challenges are a product of the complex environment in which Kenyan officers operate, one that requires them to walk a delicate line between enforcement and restraint.

According to the CS, the Kenyan political space is one of the most hostile for law enforcement, with officers often stuck between aggressive political forces and constitutional limitations on their use of force.

"I’m saying that because Kenya is the country that has the most difficult political environment to operate as a police officer. On one hand, the police are extremely constricted in what they can and cannot do when it comes to managing the public and making sure there is law and order. On the other hand, you have a population and political leadership that is very belligerent in terms of supporting the work of police officers. So, in this very difficult environment, the police are caught between a rock and a hard place," he explained.

Murkomen said that these conflicting pressures force officers to make difficult decisions, often without the benefit of broad political backing.

He warned against what he called irresponsible political actors who seek to undermine the police’s role, insisting that law enforcement must remain committed to national stability.

"In such circumstances, the police have to make hard decisions, whether they'll side with their country or allow irresponsible political actors to spoil the country," he added.

He cited his recent visits to volatile areas such as the northern frontier and Kerio Valley to underline the point, saying that despite economic constraints and daily risks, police officers remain among the country’s most patriotic public servants.

At the same event, Ruto praised Kenya’s police for their role in maintaining peace and stability, urging citizens and leaders to “respect and support” them.

He emphasised that security forces deserve the government's full backing to protect the nation and its families.

Ruto stressed that disrupting or criticising the police undermines national security.

Source: TUKO.co.ke