IG Kanja Urges Police to Uphold Professionalism Ahead of Elections

Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has called on police officers to uphold professionalism, political neutrality, and impartiality as Kenya prepares for the forthcoming elections. Speaking at the National Joint Prayers and Thanksgiving Service for uniformed and disciplined services in Nairobi, Kanja emphasized the National Police Service's responsibility to provide a secure environment for Kenyans to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.

The service, held at Holy Family Minor Basilica, brought together representatives from various security agencies, including the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The event was presided over by Rt. Rev. George Muthaka, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Garissa and Chaplain-in-Charge of the Uniformed and Disciplined Services Chaplaincy. Muthaka urged officers to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and count their blessings.

Bishop Muthaka encouraged officers to seek divine wisdom and strength to serve the public diligently while upholding faith, integrity, and humility. He emphasized the responsibility that comes with bearing firearms and urged officers to exercise restraint and use them appropriately. The Bishop also challenged officers to demonstrate integrity, promote peace, and serve as agents of reconciliation within their communities.

IG Kanja underscored the importance of courage, steadfastness, and commitment in the discharge of police duties. He noted that this year's theme speaks directly to the realities of policing, which demands courage amid uncertainty and resilience in the face of persistent challenges. Kanja urged officers to remain prepared for their responsibilities and discharge their duties with professionalism.

The Inspector General expressed appreciation to the Church for its continued spiritual nourishment, counselling, and psychosocial support to officers and their families. He acknowledged the important role of such interventions in strengthening officers' resilience and well-being. The annual thanksgiving service brought together senior officials from various uniformed and disciplined services.

The event was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner-General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh and senior commanders from the National Police Service and other security agencies. Kanja's remarks come ahead of Kenya's electoral period, during which the National Police Service will play a critical role in maintaining security.

The National Police Service has a critical responsibility to provide a secure environment for Kenyans to exercise their democratic rights peacefully. The Inspector General's call for professionalism and neutrality is crucial in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.

Key points

• IG Kanja urges police officers to maintain political neutrality and professionalism during the upcoming electoral period.
• The National Police Service has a critical responsibility to provide a secure environment for Kenyans to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
• Bishop Muthaka encourages officers to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and seek divine wisdom and strength to serve the public diligently.