Murkomen orders fresh training for over 8,000 police reservists

By  David Muchui

Correspondent

Nation Media Group

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed that more than 8,000 police reservists undergo fresh joint tactical training to instill nationalism in their service.

In the past, National Police Reservists (NPR), who mostly serve in banditry prone regions, have been trained within their counties and operated in tribal cocoons weakening cooperation, response and policing. 

Speaking during the passing-out parade of 705 police reservists from 10 counties at Magado National Police college field training camp in Meru on Wednesday, Mr Murkomen said the fresh training should take place in the next eight months. 

"For the first time in the history of Kenya, the National Police Reservists from different counties are training together. This is meant to ensure you do not end up as a community police reservist but a national police reservist serving national interest," CS Murkomen said. 

He said the joint training of reservists from across the country will ensure effectiveness in responding to intercounty county crimes. 

The CS warned reservists against using government issued firearms to aid criminal activities in the name of helping their communities.

"I urge the police reservists from West Pokot to collaborate with their colleagues in Turkana to eradicate the bandits operating from Kainuk. The reservists from Isiolo and Samburu should help us deal with those operating from Sereolipi, Lebendera and Oldonyiro. You are now a national force to be relied upon by the nation-not your communities," he said.

Mr Murkomen further warned police officers against serving political interests as the country prepares for the general election, while cautioning politicians from banditry-prone areas against inciting or arming their communities.

"Do not give in to politicians who may want to use you in their campaigns. You are police officer responsible for all Kenyans. We will take stern action against any officer who operates outside of the law," he added. 

CS Murkomen further noted that the government has improved the welfare of police reservists by automating payment of stipends and procuring their uniforms and kits from the National Youth Service.

"To ensure the welfare of police reservists is taken are of, we are developing a national policy for management of NPR. We will also increase the stipend to Sh10,000 and enroll all reservists into the Social Health Authority

Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja also urged the reservists to remain politically neutral as the country gears for the general elections. 

According to deputy Inspector-General of Police Eliud Lagat, the 1000 acre field training camp will aid the national police in enhancing tactical training.

The camp is part part of two others established in Meru for the administration police and Kenya Wildlife Service in effort to create a security buffer over rising banditry attacks.

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