In a major move to strengthen security at the village level, the government has officially started sending 6,000 National Government Administration Police Unit officers to all counties. This new team will work closely with chiefs and their assistants to help maintain law and order right where people live.
The move comes with fresh changes that now give chiefs the power to arrest suspects. This is something many have been asking for because chiefs are usually the first people citizens run to when trouble breaks out in their areas.
Under the new arrangement, these local administrators will no longer just settle disputes or refer matters to the police. They will now have the legal backing to make arrests themselves when they see crimes happening.
For those who remember the old days, this new system looks a lot like how security was handled during the time of former President Daniel arap Moi. Back then, chiefs had more direct power in maintaining peace, and the government was heavily involved in coordinating security from the top all the way to the grassroots.
According to reports, officers have already started reporting to their new stations in several counties, including Turkana, Baringo, Samburu, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, and Kericho. This deployment is being overseen by the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli.
Many residents in these areas have welcomed the move, saying that having more police presence will help reduce cases of cattle rustling, banditry, and other criminal activities that have been giving locals sleepless nights.
Chiefs have also expressed relief, saying they often feel helpless when they encounter criminals but cannot do much because they lack arrest powers.
With this new force in place, the government is hoping to restore public confidence in local security structures and ensure that lawlessness is dealt with swiftly before it escalates.
The officers are expected to work hand in hand with community members and local leaders to identify and address security threats early enough.
As the rollout continues, all eyes will be on how these officers perform and whether this will finally bring lasting peace to the troubled regions.
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