Ex-KDF, Recce officers among 7 seeking reinstatement after overcoming alcoholism

The seven, from different parts of the Rift Valley in Kenya, underwent inpatient rehabilitation at the Koiwa Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre in Bomet County, a collaboration with the County Government of Bomet.

All seven were interdicted from the police service following absences due to drunkenness and other unethical behaviour while on duty.

Patrick Kiprono, GSU, Recce Company, VIP Protection, recalled his painful exit from the service following his addiction to alcohol.

“I was dismissed from the service for being drunk. I used to drink a lot,” said Mr. Kiprono. He, however, stated that since joining the rehabilitation program, his life had changed, and he had regained his senses.

“I joined this rehabilitation, and I am ready to serve my country again,” said Mr. Kiprono during an interview at the Koiwa Rehabilitation Centre.

Benard Kirui, Administration Police, also joined the service in 1999 and had served in many stations until February 2014 when he was dismissed for absconding duty for 68 days following continued alcohol consumption.

“I started leisurely experimenting with alcohol, but eventually, my life became worse due to overindulgence, and I was separated from my family 10 years ago. I also had many problems in my life,” said Mr. Kirui.

Mr. Kirui said he learned about the rehabilitation program from a local bishop, who urged him to undergo the process and change his life.

Pastor Dorcas works closely with clergy from various faiths, including Muslim, Christian, and Hindu, to mobilize those in addiction to seek help.

“Alcohol was bad for my health. I lost a lot of weight, but today, I am healthy and have regained my strength as a man. I would appreciate going back to my work as a dutiful officer, executing my duties according to the law in any part of the country. I also look forward to reuniting with my family,” said Mr. Kirui. He also encouraged officers still consuming alcohol that they too could beat addiction.

AP Officer Patrick Kosgei, 39 years old, recalled amidst tears the life he led as an alcoholic, sleeping along the road, losing his family, destroying good relationships, and losing his job in the service.

“I became an officer in 2008 and served in Moyale, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, and other stations. However, I failed to attend the Madaraka Day rehearsal parade because I was too drunk, and because of this and other forms of misconduct, I lost my job,” said Mr. Kosgei.

Mr. Kosgei started consuming alcohol in 2010, when he was 25 years old, in moderation, but increased his intake in 2011, and confesses to having friends who would buy drinks for him whenever he did not have money.

However, this lifestyle led him to a life of destruction and indignity. He would sleep along the road, separated from his wife and child, had a bad relationship with people and his seniors at the workplace, and eventually lost his job.

“I had tried stopping alcohol many times, unsuccessfully, but since I came here to Koiwa, I can see a big change. My thirst for alcohol has died. I am grateful for this program. I came here weighing 42 kg, and I am now 65 kg. I am energetic enough, and still young to serve this nation,” he added.

Mr. Kosgei hoped that post-rehabilitation, he could be reunited with his family and seek forgiveness from those he wronged during his drunkenness. He added that he would be an ambassador against alcoholism.

“Alcohol had made me hopeless. I am deeply grateful to Pastor Dorcas for bringing hope into my life again. May she continue helping many others,” he added.

Hillary Cheruiyot, KDF, served in the Kenya Defence Forces but also lost his job due to alcoholism.

“I was discharged from the service due to alcoholism. I am now reformed and ready to serve this sovereign nation,” said Mr. Cheruiyot.

Another officer, Shadrack Kipyegon, Kenya Police, confessed that the psychosocial spiritual model used in rehabilitation had strengthened him mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

“I have reformed and am ready to work with a lot of loyalty to the government of Kenya. Now, as a saved police officer, I will be known as an officer who has changed and serves with dedication. I will be an ambassador for many others to change,” said Mr. Kipyegon.

He appreciated Pastor Dorcas's dedication to seeing their lives changed, even visiting them. “This program has changed our lives, and we shall continue praying for her to change the lives of many others,” said Mr. Kipyegon.

Samwel Kipkorir, GSU, who joined the service in 1990, was dismissed in 2011 on medical grounds brought about by alcoholism. He also appealed for reinstatement to the GSU after undergoing rehabilitation and transforming into an alcohol-free life.

The program also included a retired police officer who was also an alcoholic. Edison Koskei said that he retired from the police service in 2016 but came for rehabilitation to change his life.

“I urge those police officers consuming alcohol to keep away from alcohol and focus on their work,” said Kiprono, Kenya Police Retired.

Felix Langat, Psychiatric Nurse at the Koiwa Rehabilitation Centre, said that the 107 clients admitted were doing well and narrated their rehabilitation journey.

“The first three weeks had a lot of withdrawal symptoms, including inability to sleep, hallucinations, tremors, and other challenges, but we managed them medically and were able to stabilize them. In the first days, we were even feeding them, but there is visible progress over the months. Among the 107, we realized only six had psychiatric illnesses that were masked by alcohol, and these ones continue with treatment,” said Mr. Langat.

He added that some of the clients had family and relationship issues leading to addictions, but through family therapy, they had helped in manoeuvring such challenges.

All the rehabilitated officers seek reinstatement back to the service, pledging to become ambassadors against alcoholism in the disciplined force.