A junior Kenyan police officer, Sammy Ondimu Ngare, has written an open letter to senior officers in the National Police Service, calling on them to exercise their authority with humility and treat those below them with basic human dignity. In the letter, Ondimu acknowledged that speaking candidly to those above him in the Service is rarely easy, but insisted that silence was no longer an option. He urged senior officers to remember where they came from and use their authority to guide rather than intimidate.
Ondimu's message to senior officers was straightforward: rank is a responsibility, not a weapon. He pointed out that some junior officers carry exceptional talent, intelligence, and personal achievements, and that a lower rank does not strip anyone of their worth as a human being. He also called out the practice of using transfers as a form of punishment whenever a senior officer disagrees with a junior one. This practice, he argued, only degrades the officers already serving in those areas.
The police officer grounded his message in a simple but sobering truth: no position lasts forever. He reminded senior officers that many powerful figures before them had already retired, passed on, or simply lost their influence, and that the same fate awaits everyone currently sitting in a position of command. He asked officers to consider the kind of legacy they will leave behind once they take off the uniform.
Ondimu also urged senior officers to pause before wielding authority and ask themselves honestly: "If this was my son, daughter, brother or sister, would I still feel comfortable doing this?" He emphasized that using someone's child in a way you would never want your own child to be treated is unacceptable. This, he argued, is a crucial test of leadership and character.
The letter, penned in what Ondimu described as "good faith," has been making waves in the National Police Service. While some senior officers may have been taken aback by the boldness of the letter, others may be reflecting on their own behavior and leadership styles. As Ondimu noted, power is temporary, but the way you treated people can be remembered for generations.
Ondimu's call to action was clear: lead rather than intimidate, serve rather than oppress, and never forget the journey that brought you to where you are today. He challenged every police boss who read the letter to take a hard look at their leadership style and consider the impact it has on their juniors. By doing so, he argued, they can create a more positive and respectful work environment.
The issue of intimidation and harassment in the National Police Service is a serious one, with many junior officers reportedly feeling belittled and bullied by their senior counterparts. Ondimu's letter has highlighted the need for a cultural shift in the Service, one that prioritizes respect, empathy, and understanding. As the Service continues to evolve and grow, it remains to be seen how senior officers will respond to Ondimu's call to action.
Key points
- Kenyan police officer Sammy Ondimu urges senior officers to treat junior officers with dignity and respect.
- Ondimu calls out the practice of using transfers as a form of punishment for junior officers.
- The police officer emphasizes that power is temporary, but the way you treated people can be remembered for generations.
