All the 8 Regional Police Commanders who underwent training at the Loresho Police Training School congregated at Othaya Police Station on a learning tour of the Community Policing Programme in the area on 2nd February, 2019. The Programme is one of the 4 supported by IMLU with support from Diakonia-Sweden in the county.
The meeting was also attended by the Directorate of Police Reforms at the National Police Service (NPS), our development partner Diakonia -Sweden, the Nyeri County Police Commander, the Nyeri County Policing Authority members , Community Policing Committee and Community Policing Forum among others.
According to the Nyeri Police Commander, Ali Nuno, the most prevalent challenges they experience are the Mungiki and spill over of Gaza. He added that they however have recently seen a rise of cases of radicalisation.
“We have introduced community policing as a strategy in preventing and solving crime. There's reduction of crime for instance 3 days ago there was a vehicle which was suspected of being used by terrorists, we received live updates from residents of the vehicles whereabouts,” said Nuno.
He further appreciated the support that we have accorded the officers in order to realize a safer community.
“We have partnered with IMLU and they have assisted us in building the capacity of officers. We are addressing the software 'attitude change’, he added.
Speaking during the function, Inspector John Kirima from the police station admitted on the changes that they have witnessed ever since they started collaborating with community members.
“Initially there was a problem especially with boda bodas. The riders used to run away from us every now and again. Today I can attest that this has changed since we established the Community Policing Committees (CPCs) and the Community Policing Forums (CPFs)”, said Kirima.
Speaking during the event, IMLU Director Peter Kiama emphasised on the need to embrace Community Security as the best measure in curbing insecurity in the country.
“As IMLU we are very grateful for the community that welcomed us to support the initiative whose fruits we're talking about today”, said Kiama.
According to the Central Regional Police Commander, Judy Lamet, the success witnessed at the Othaya Police Station is one that should be replicated across the region.
‘As I start my work in Central, I will ensure that the model that we have seen here is duplicated in other Mt. Kenya counties”, she said while thanking IMLU and the local community for the efforts.
