CS Kindiki: Gov't to procure modern weapons for police in banditry prone areas

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS)  Prof. Kithure Kindiki has revealed plans by the government to procure state-of-the-art weaponry and gadgets for police operating in bandit-prone areas in the North Rift region and security agents attached to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU).

Speaking when he addressed specialized teams drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU) and Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) in Kakuma, Turkana County on Wednesday, Kindiki underscored that the arming of the said security personnel will be prioritised by the government in line with the Police Equipment Modernization Programme.

By equipping the said officers with modern land and air weapons Kindiki said the State will boost ongoing efforts to curb insecurity across the country while safeguarding the lives of security personnel in the line of duty.

“We have taken a decision to upscale and revitalize the equipment modernization programme and acquire more air and land assets as well as personal protective equipment to enable you to perform your work better and efficiently. When you are protecting your fellow citizens, your own lives must also be protected from danger,” said the CS.

Kindiki added that the State has already secured the necessary funding to acquire the said equipment while noting that President William Ruto will, in the coming days, unveil a task force to look into the welfare of the said police officers.

“As you continue serving our country, the government is also thinking about your welfare and the welfare of your families. The Head of State will soon unveil a task force that will look into your welfare and compensation,” he said.

The CS also revealed further plans by the State to transfer officers who have been serving in volatile workstations to less stressful stations and to recruit 630 additional National Police reservists.

“Many of you have not been able to see your families for a long time. We should make it a bit feasible for your families to have a better life even as you serve the country in these difficult circumstances," he said.  

“We will make banditry, terrorism and cattle rustling a painful and costly experience for the perpetrators. We will finish them before they finish our people. We will pre-empt, thwart and neutralize the threats that they pose.”