Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed deep concern over a High Court ruling that declared the presidential taskforce on police reforms unconstitutional, a decision he fears could silence the desperate voices of officers serving under increasingly difficult conditions.
At the heart of the matter is the welfare of thousands of police officers whose longstanding pleas for better housing, fair promotions, improved working conditions and timely transfers have often gone unheard.
The now-defunct taskforce, chaired by former Chief Justice David Maraga, had embarked on a nationwide dialogue to document these grievances and formulate a reform roadmap, a process CS Murkomen described as long overdue and urgently needed.
“It’s unbelievable that a judge assigned officers, who share similar issues across the country, would declare a taskforce looking into their welfare unconstitutional,” said Murkomen during his visit to Mwatate, Taita Taveta County.
In his verdict, Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that President William Ruto had overstepped constitutional bounds by forming the 23-member task force, noting that such reforms fall under the mandate of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
As a result, all findings and recommendations by the team were declared null and void.
For Murkomen, however, the ruling goes beyond a legal setback; it strikes at the hope of reform for officers stationed in remote outposts, many of whom struggle without proper vehicles, live in cramped housing and wait years for promotion or recognition.
“We are committed to addressing issues raised during the tour, whose ultimate goal is better service delivery to Kenyans. These include cross-cutting matters such as acquiring more police vehicles to improve mobility and boost security operations, reviewing the scheme of service, promotions, career progression, enumeration and rewards for police and NGAO officers,” said the CS.
“We will also operationalize gazetted administrative units, improve infrastructure, and empower village elders,” he added.
Since assuming office, CS Murkomen has prioritized reforms within the National Police Service, focusing on better housing, acquisition of modern equipment, human resource restructuring and the adoption of technology.
His recent Jukwaa la Usalama forums have uncovered recurring concerns across all six counties he has visited.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo echoed the CS’s sentiments, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of the court’s decision, especially given the progress already made.
“By the time of the court ruling, the ministry had already implemented 47.2 percent of reforms in the NPS, and 42.9 percent in the Kenya Prisons Service and the National Youth Service,” said Omollo, speaking during the launch of the new Kisumu East Sub-County Headquarters in Kasagam.
He noted that several strategic reforms were well underway, including procurement of vehicles, modern equipment, and the rollout of technology to enhance national security operations.
“Police officers, just like every other Kenyan, deserve to work in a dignified environment. We must continue to prioritize their welfare and facilitate their service delivery,” said Omollo.
He further pointed out that the NPS had already launched a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for officers and their dependents, including mental health care.
Officers are also covered under a group life insurance policy that provides financial protection in the event of death or permanent disability.
Additionally, Omollo revealed that a phased salary increment is ongoing, with the basic pay for police constables having risen by Ksh 4,000 over the past 10 years.
“A mortgage scheme has also been developed to provide access to affordable housing through a structured framework,” he concluded.
As the country grapples with the implications of the ruling, a lingering question remains: if not now, when will the officers’ voices truly be heard?
