The number of police and prison officers who have died in the line of duty has decreased this year, with 29 officers lost compared to 37 last year. Most of the fatalities were caused by terrorist attacks and livestock theft raids, while two officers tragically lost their lives in attacks by members of the public.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Acting Interior Minister Musalia Mudavadi disclosed these statistics on Friday during a solemn ceremony at the Embakasi Administration Police Training College, honoring officers who have fallen in the line of duty.
The event was marked by grief, as widows, relatives, and friends of the fallen officers mourned their loved ones. Among them was Benson Nderitu Mwangi, who mourned his 29-year-old son killed in November during his early days as a police officer. His life was tragically cut short in an al-Shabaab attack in Mandera County.
“They were attacked in Mandera. If the government had properly equipped the police, they wouldn’t have been killed,” Mwangi lamented.
Particularly distressing were incidents involving officers attacked by the public, including one who was killed while trying to rescue young girls from undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Elgeyo Marakwet.
Inspector of Police Douglas Kanja emphasized the importance of respecting law enforcement, stating, “Kenyans need to respect the police and understand that no one is above the law.”
In response to the sacrifices of fallen officers, the government has pledged to improve support for their families. Mudavadi announced that six widows and three orphans of fallen officers have been employed in the police force, with plans to expand this initiative. He also highlighted progress on a Veteran Bill aimed at expediting compensation and improving conditions for officers.
As a tribute to their service, a memorial plaque bearing the names of the fallen officers was unveiled at the ceremony. Their sacrifices were honored as a vital part of the nation’s security and protection.
