Traffic policeman David Chumo was on Thursday feted as the most incorruptible, humane officer and public servant of the year.
Corporal Chumo was recognised by the
Commission of Administrative Justice for serving with integrity and selflessness and going beyond the call of duty to promote the rule of law.
CAJ acting chairperson Regina Mwatha said he had remained true to his calling and served the people diligently
for years.
"You have undertaken your duties with honesty and integrity, demonstrating that it is possible to live honourably and serve as a traffic police officer," Mwatha said during the Ombudsman Huduma Awards at the KICC in Nairobi on Thursday.
"You are the epitome of what the police service is all about."
Olivia Obel, assistant commissioner of prisons in charge of Lang'ata Women's Maximum Security Prison, receives the Ombudsman Huduma public servant of the year award in a ceremony at the KICC in Nairobi, March 9, 2017. /JOSEPH NDUNDA
Chumo, who was selected for the award by members of the public, is based at Bomet police station.
Mwatha said he has arrested poachers who continue to pose a threat to one of Kenya's main revenue earners – tourism.
She also lauded him for arresting illegal loggers who are a threat to the preservation of eco-systems.
"You have courageously confronted these issues despite the dangers involved for the love of your country. You have put your life at risk to offer your services to the people of Kenya," she said.
She added that the traffic officer has also been recognised by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Forest Service.
Chumo said his main challenges for the last 18 years have been rejecting hefty bribes from motorists and
ridicule by suspicious members of the public.
He said he has rejected bribes of up to Sh50,000.
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Olivia Obel,
assistant commissioner of prisons in charge of Lang'ata Women's Maximum Security Prison, was second after Chumo.
Obel was honoured for infusing best practices in the management of prisons, the Lang'ata correctional facility in particular.
She has introduced child-friendly prison corners thereby reducing trauma for children whose parents are behind bars.
"The sanctuaries provide a home setting within the prisons where inmates interact with their children. You have [also] introduced remote parenting - a concept that gives inmates opportunities, through open days, to interact and follow their children's progress," Mwatha said.
"This gives them some latitude to exercise parenting thereby giving them something to look forward to post imprisonment."
Macharia Njeru, chairman of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, receives the Ombudsman Huduma public institution of the year award from Attorney General Githu Muigai in a ceremony at the KICC in Nairobi, March 9, 2017. /JOSEPH NDUNDA
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority emerged the best institution for accelerating access of justice for victims of police brutality.
IPOA was feted for professionalism, making members of the National Police Service accountable to the public, securing the rights of citizens and enhancing trust in service. The authority was also feted for accountability and transparency.
"IPOA has not only ensured rogue officers get penalised but has also vindicated those who have been wrongfully accused thereby promoting fair administrative justice. This will go a long way in making police officers appreciate the need for accountability," said the acting chairperson.
She added that the authority has
looked into issues that relate to police welfare and this has enhanced their morale and improved policing.
IPOA had handled 465 investigations by December 31 last year. It has
cumulatively made recommendations on 67 cases to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Fifty three of these have been examined and returned to IPOA for subsequent processes that include penal and administrative actions.
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