President Uhuru Kenyatta has tasked new General Service Unit officers joining the National Police Service to serve the country with courage, integrity and discipline.
Speaking on Wednesday when he presided over the pass out parade for 2,502 GSU officers, the President urged the new servicemen and women to safeguard the rights and freedoms of Kenyans while upholding the law and abiding by rules and regulations of the service.
“As custodians of public safety and our internal security, you are the watchers on the wall who safeguard our rights, freedoms and our way of life," Uhuru said.
"You must live true to the oath you have taken and at all times, whether on duty or otherwise, be model officers whom others will emulate,” added the head of state.
The 48th passing-out-parade of the General Service Unit was held at the National Police College, Embakasi B Campus in Nairobi.
The president further advised the officers to embrace discipline and talk to their seniors whenever faced with problems instead of engaging in acts of lawlessness and despair.
He remarks echoed growing public concern about rising incidents of officers killing their spouses and members of public in a fit of rage that has been attributed to depression and marital problems.
The latest such incident occurred on Tuesday when an officer attached to Kabete Police Station in Kiambu County shot dead six people, including his wife, before turning the gun on himself.
While commended GSU’s reputation for bravery, excellence and unfailing commitment to duty, the president called on the officers to adapt to the dynamic security environment saying that they will be required to operate in an environment that is distinct from that which prevailed at the beginning of the century.
“The needs and expectations of Kenyans have also increased, particularly since the promulgation of the new Constitution in the year 2010,” Uhuru said.
The head of state reiterated his government's commitment to the ongoing transformation of the police service into a modern 21st Century law enforcement agency.
He noted that the government has prioritised enhancement of human resources and equipment to enable the police service effectively play its role of securing the country.
The president said that the government is also implementing a comprehensive medical insurance cover for officers and their families.
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i who was present at the event thanked the President for prioritising investment in security sector for better service delivery to Kenyans.
“With the work that has happened in this sector thanks to your solid leadership and the investments that you have made, we are stronger, better and much more prepared to deal with the challenges ahead,” Matiang'i said.