Silverio Omari
At least six widows and three orphans of police officers who died in the line of duty have been hired by the government as part of a program to support their families.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the acting CS for Interior, announced that 29 police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2024, a decrease from the 37 deaths recorded in 2023. The majority of these fatalities were the result of terrorist attacks and livestock theft raids, with two officers killed in attacks by citizens.
A list of the fallen officers was revealed at a memorial service in Embakasi, honoring their sacrifice in protecting the country. Mudavadi urged the leadership of police and prison services to continue supporting the families of these fallen heroes.
“I am pleased to report that six widows and three orphans were recruited during the last cohort in January 2023, and I am confident that qualified widows, widowers, orphans, and next of kin will be considered in future recruitments,” he said.
Mudavadi spoke on Friday during a ceremony to honor police and prison officers who died in the line of duty, held at the National Police Service Embakasi campus. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo also attended.
Tears flowed from the families of the fallen officers, including Benson Nderitu Mwangi, who mourned his 29-year-old son, killed by al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County in November, early in his police career. “If the government had equipped the police properly, they wouldn’t have been killed,” Mwangi said.
Two officers were killed by members of the public. One officer died while attempting to rescue young girls from undergoing FGM in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja called for greater respect for police officers, stating, “Kenyans need to respect the police and understand that no one is above the law.”
In addition to the job opportunities provided to the widows and orphans, the government is working on a Veterans’ Bill to fast-track compensation and improve working conditions for police officers. Mudavadi reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of officers and their families, including better housing, medical services, and counseling for those facing mental or social challenges.
“The establishment of a Veterans Endowment Fund is also underway, with the necessary legislation in progress,” Mudavadi confirmed.
He concluded the event by acknowledging the bravery and selflessness of police officers who dedicate their lives to keeping Kenya safe. “Their sacrifices not only protect our country but also strengthen its position as a global beacon of safety,” he said.
Dj Vnyash
