Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga has dismissed claims that the National Police College in Kiganjo is set to be relocated.
Wamatinga said leaders from Nyeri only consulted President Dr. William Ruto on upgrading the institution into a higher learning centre offering diploma and degree programmes.
The Senator accused some leaders from the region of misleading the public by spreading misinformation about the alleged transfer of the century-old police training institution, urging residents to ignore what he termed as propaganda.
Speaking on Kameme TV on Tuesday, Wamatinga said leaders from Nyeri had engaged the President on the need to modernise and expand the academic scope of the National Police College to enhance professionalism and capacity among security officers.
“What we are hearing about the National Police College at Kiganjo being relocated to other parts of the country is blatant propaganda meant to mislead Kenyans,” said Wamatinga. “The truth is that leaders from Nyeri raised the issue with President Ruto on how the institution could be upgraded to offer diploma and degree courses to police officers.”
He explained that the proposal discussed involved relocating basic paramilitary training activities, such as firearms and tactical drills, to more remote areas, while retaining the Kiganjo premises as an academic and professional training hub.
“Our proposal was to have basic training moved to remote locations and reserve Kiganjo for academic instruction. At no point did we discuss transferring or closing the college,” he emphasised.
Wamatinga said transforming the institution into a centre of higher learning would benefit both Nyeri County and the country at large by equipping police officers with advanced academic qualifications and leadership skills.
The Senator’s remarks came against the backdrop of recent statements by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who last week dismissed claims that the government was planning to move the National Police College from Nyeri to the North Rift region.
CS Murkomen clarified that while the government intends to establish additional training facilities for security officers in areas affected by insecurity, there are no plans to relocate the Kiganjo college.
“We want a situation where officers complete their classroom training at existing institutions and then proceed to disturbed areas for practical exposure and specialised training,” Murkomen said. “This does not mean that we are closing or relocating Kiganjo.”
He added that misinterpretation of his earlier remarks had fuelled unfounded claims that the government intended to move the college to Marakwet or other parts of the North Rift.
On the government’s performance, Senator Wamatinga praised President Ruto, describing him as one of the most progressive and reform-minded leaders in post-independence Kenya, particularly in economic management.
He noted that despite global economic shocks following the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya’s economy has remained resilient under the current administration.
“The President has demonstrated strong leadership in stabilising the economy at a time when many countries are struggling,” said Wamatinga.
He cited the reduction in the price of basic commodities as evidence of improved economic conditions, noting that the cost of a two-kilogramme packet of maize flour had dropped from about Sh250 in 2022 to the current average of Sh140.
“This is a clear indicator that many families can now afford basic food items,” he said.
Wamatinga also pointed to the strengthening of the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar, saying the currency’s stability had been achieved without artificial government intervention.
“A few years ago, the shilling was in free fall. Today, it has remained relatively stable and bullish against the dollar, leading to lower inflation and easing the cost of living for Kenyans,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to acknowledge the positive strides made by the government instead of focusing solely on criticism.
“As leaders, we must be honest with the people. Only a fool would deny that work is being done in this country,” Wamatinga remarked.
The Senator challenged leaders who criticise the government to offer constructive alternatives rather than dismissing ongoing development efforts.
“Responsible leadership is about proposing better solutions, not shouting for the sake of being heard,” he said.
He highlighted several national and regional development projects, including the construction of Talanta Stadium and the Bomas International Convention Centre, as indicators of the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Closer home, Wamatinga pointed to the dualling of the 84-kilometre Kenol–Sagana–Marua Road, which he said is expected to be extended through Nyeri, Kiganjo, and Nanyuki to Isiolo, opening up the region to trade and investment.
“These are the politics we should be engaging in, politics of development, not endless politicking that adds no value to the lives of our people,” he said.
The Senator urged residents of Nyeri and the larger Central Kenya region to take stock of ongoing government projects and support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and securing the future for coming generations.
By Samuel Maina
