- The gap between security officers and members of the public has hampered security operations
- DIG says residents shy away from reporting security incidents due to fear of officers, which in turn heightens insecurity
Image: Alice Waithera
Murang'a residents and security officers on Saturday engaged in sports activities in an event aimed at promoting integration between the two.
The residents got a rare chance to freely engage with administrators and police officers of all ranks as they participated in football, volleyball and tug-of-war, among others.
The event, held at Ihura stadium, was organised by the National Community Policing Ambassador under the office of Deputy Inspector General of Police Stanley Kamau.
Kamau said residents shy away from reporting security incidents due to fear of officers, which in turn heightens insecurity.
The DIG said the event made it possible for members of the public to mesh with security officers and enhance trust.
“Engaging in sports together provided a chance for residents to see administrators and police officers as their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters,” he said.
A similar activity was conducted in 2022, leading to the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
“We sat with taxi drivers and they gave us information that led to the car being recovered and when we asked why they had not given the same information to the police before, they said they were afraid of being listed as witnesses in court cases.”
The gap between security officers and members of the public has hampered security operations, since the latter are relied on to give information.
Image: Alice Waithera
Routine engagements with police officers and administrators would make it possible for residents to humanise police officers and be more comfortable co-operating with them.
“Today, if somebody had something to say to a police constable, the county commander of police or an administrator, they got a chance to do so. It has enhanced closeness between them.”
Jane Karanja, ACK St James Cathedral provost, said the church supports activities that promote cohesion in the society.
While praising the organisers, Karanja said the event would go a long way in promoting peace, adding that the church will be at the forefront of campaigning for similar activities.
“As a church, we preach about heaven but before we get there, we want to live in a cohesive community,” she said.
Ramadhan Swaleh, the stage manager of Murang’a Shuttle matatu sacco, said the event had succeeded in bringing together players in the public service vehicle who never saw eye to eye.
Bodaboda riders, tuk tuk operators and matatu operators have been undertaking their activities separately and have not had a chance to sit together.
Swaleh said sports activities should be held regularly to enhance integration among all residents.
“There were times when we would have sports every Sunday at Ihura Stadium and hundreds would turn up to spectate,” he said, adding that playing against police officers would further bridge the gap between them.
Kihia Kanjura, Kangema Travellers sacco manager, said residents would duck when they saw uniformed police officers.
Now, he said, they would start seeing them as allies with whom they can sit and dialogue.
Kiharu assistant county commissioner Esther Muthoni said having one-on-one interactions with members of the public would help eradicate the fear of volunteering information.
Muthoni said the Mulika Kenya platform can be used to share information by those uncomfortable with reporting incidents physically.
“They can send a message that starts with the county, division and locality before reporting the specific incident for follow up,” she said.
This can be done by sending a text message to 988.