To many people, the Bible and the police service appear to belong to two completely different worlds. One symbolises faith, forgiveness and hope, while the other represents law enforcement, discipline and the use of lawful force.
However, for Narok County Administration Police Service Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tom Msalagani Anyonge, the two callings complement each other.
A minister with the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church, Anyonge has embraced a unique approach to policing by combining law enforcement with spiritual guidance, a strategy he believes has strengthened community trust and contributed to crime prevention in Narok County.
The officer says he is determined to challenge the negative perception many Kenyans hold about police officers, whom they often describe as harsh, inaccessible and corrupt.
Instead, he hopes to demonstrate that police officers can enforce the law firmly while remaining compassionate, respectful and approachable.
His daily routine reflects this philosophy. Beyond overseeing security operations across Narok County, Anyonge also conducts regular lunchtime fellowship sessions at the County Commissioner’s offices.
Between 1.00 p.m. and 1.45 p.m., civil servants, police officers and members of the public gather to listen as the senior officer delivers sermons centred on love, integrity, peace, accountability and service to humanity.
The sessions, which are open to all regardless of religious affiliation, have become increasingly popular and have helped improve relations between the police and members of the public.
While preaching peace, Anyonge is quick to clarify that his commitment to faith does not diminish his responsibility as a police commander.
He says his primary constitutional duty remains protecting lives and property, adding that police officers must always be prepared to use lawful and proportionate force whenever public safety is under imminent threat.
“Like the Bible says, I shall not die but live and declare. I am not going out there to kill people because that is not my intention. But if a criminal’s intention is to kill innocent people, then I will use lawful force to protect lives and property,” he said.
According to the commander, the open fellowship meetings have significantly changed public attitudes towards the police, resulting in greater cooperation through community policing initiatives.
He says improved trust has encouraged residents to share information with security agencies, making it easier to prevent crime and respond quickly to emerging security threats.
Anyonge began preaching in 1999 after graduating with a Diploma in Theology from Nyang’ori Bible School.
Since then, he has continued ministering wherever he has been deployed, believing that faith and public service can work together in building peaceful communities.
“Ever since I came to Narok County and began preaching, many people, including those who had previously engaged in criminal activities, have embraced positive change after hearing the word of God,” he said.
Initially, some of his colleagues viewed the initiative with scepticism. However, after witnessing its positive influence on officers and members of the public, several police officers joined the fellowship sessions.
Today, a growing number of officers participate in the services and assist in preaching during the regular meetings.
The senior officer says his journey into policing and ministry was shaped by different influences.
His father, a former civic leader in Lurambi North Ward in the then Kakamega District, had hoped he would venture into politics.
Instead, Anyonge pursued a career in law enforcement before later responding to what he describes as God’s calling into ministry.
“My first responsibility, just like kings in biblical times, is to protect the lives and property of all Kenyans. If circumstances demand, I will use lawful, proportionate and justified force. Even Jesus demonstrated righteous action when he drove traders from the temple after it had been turned into a marketplace,” he explained.
The commander vividly recalls one of the most memorable moments in his policing career while serving in Mandera County during an operation to recover stolen livestock.
He says the operation was dangerous and required officers to spend several days in difficult terrain.
To encourage fellow officers, Christian members of the team established a temporary place of worship within the police camp where they prayed and sang hymns during breaks from the operation.
“Although the assignment was extremely risky, all officers completed the operation safely. We believed our prayers strengthened our courage and helped us return safely to our stations,” he recalled.
Anyonge also cites several biblical figures to explain that law enforcement officers sometimes face situations requiring decisive action to protect innocent lives.
He referred to the story of David and Goliath, saying David confronted a deadly threat to save God’s people.
He emphasised that police officers are only permitted to use force within the law and only when circumstances justify such action.
Beyond policing tactics, the commander believes lasting reductions in crime can only be achieved through moral transformation.
“To tackle crime, we need God. We cannot do this by ourselves. We need God’s intervention in everything we do,” he said.
He argues that strengthening family values, promoting integrity and encouraging personal responsibility are essential in addressing the root causes of crime.
Throughout his nearly two decades in the National Police Service, Anyonge says he has encountered every category of offender.
Despite this, he maintains that many offenders can reform if treated with dignity and fairness.
“When you approach people with respect instead of hostility, many reflect on their actions and choose a different path. Even some hardened criminals have changed after experiencing kindness,” he observed.
He also challenged fellow police officers to uphold professionalism and respect while dealing with members of the public.
According to him, officers should avoid using demeaning language or intimidating citizens because mutual respect strengthens public confidence in law enforcement.
“When you respect people, they will respect you in return. We are called to protect and reassure the public. We cannot expect cooperation if we insult or humiliate those we serve,” he said.
Anyonge strongly condemned corruption, describing it as one of the greatest threats to effective policing.
He said bribery undermines public trust and compromises justice, urging officers to remain faithful to their oath of office.
At the same time, he noted that corruption involves both the giver and the receiver, calling on citizens to reject the practice instead of encouraging it.
“Corruption is a two-way process. We should not blame officers alone because some members of the public also offer bribes. The change begins with every Kenyan,” he said.
Besides his policing and pastoral responsibilities, Anyonge is an accomplished black belt martial artist and serves as a part-time karate instructor at Maasai Girls Senior School.
He says martial arts training helps young people develop discipline, confidence and self-control, values that complement both education and community safety.
The senior officer continues preaching in churches, funerals, crusades and official government meetings whenever invited.
“I do my work diligently as a police officer. I carry my gun on my left and my Bible in my right hand. Serving humanity is serving God, and that is the principle that guides me every day,” he said.
Quoting Jeremiah, he urged police officers and other public servants to choose integrity over corruption and remain committed to serving the nation faithfully.
Anyonge expressed optimism that continued collaboration between the police and the public would strengthen community policing and contribute to a more peaceful and secure society.
He also appealed to Kenyans not to judge the entire police service based on the misconduct of a few officers.
“Like every profession, there are good and bad people. Even in the church, there are good and bad pastors. It is therefore unfair to judge all police officers using the actions of a few. Let us embrace peace, love and unity because we are not slaves of hatred,” he said.
By Emily Kadzo and Hillary Shimnagha
