Efforts by the government to provide security and maintain law and order in Marsabit County has been boosted following the recruitment of 400 police reservists.
The officers drawn from across the county graduated after a one-month training during a pass out parade presided over by the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police Eliud Lagat at Anuwai technical training college in Laisamis subcounty.
Mr Lagat called on the reservists, whose training cost the government enormous resources, to uphold patriotism and to always be fair when rendering services to the community.
This, he observed, would help in making the security situation better in Marsabit County, which has previously witnessed cases of cattle rustling, banditry, and inter-communal conflicts.
The DIG said the reservists would be expected to work closely with other security stakeholders, who include the police and community elders, for improved peaceful coexistence of local communities.
Mr. Lagat reminded the reservists that they were expected to have respect for human rights, be accountable, ensure fairness, and above all, to discharge their duties professionally.
“The work of the police is not only law enforcement but also agents of peace, unity, and development,” he said, emphasizing that it was important that they work with communities and peace leaders so that the much-needed peace could be achieved in the county.
He asked the reservists to always uphold the rule of law and maintain the trust of the people they serve in order to foster peace and succeed in their work.
Mr Lagat underscored the importance of community-based policing, which the national police reserve was expected to enhance by acting as the bridge between the law enforcement agencies and the communities they will be serving.
“Your deep understanding of local dynamics, culture, and traditions positions you uniquely to address security challenges effectively,” he told the reservists, whom he cautioned against any engaging in any form of corruption, discrimination, or abuse of power.
The DIG pointed out that the integrity of the police uniform issued to the reservists lies in the actions and decisions of the individual officers.
Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau emphasised on discipline among the new officers, as a lack of it would not be tolerated.
Kamau warned against misuse of firearms and involvement in crime, as those found out will be severely punished.
The county commissioner noted that the police reservists were equipped with the necessary skills and moral fortitude to enable them to offer the required protection in the society.
Also present was the Member of Parliament for Saku and the vice chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Dido Raso.
Col (rtd) Raso said President Ruto’s government was doing everything possible to ensure that there was peace and security not only in Marsabit but across the country.
The effort, he said, would provide Kenyans with an enabling environment to engage in viable and profitable economic activities for improved standards of living.
By Sebastian Miriti
