Police disown OCS over call to limit female recruits

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The National Police Service (NPS) has disowned remarks by a senior officer who suggested that the recruitment of women into the police force should be scaled down.

NPS says the comments do not reflect official government policy.

The Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Nyahururu Police Station Isaac Kimutus made the controversial remarks on Thursday, July 31, during the 23rd Jukwaa La Usalama Forum held in Laikipia County.

He claimed that female officers are physically weak and often unable to withstand the rigours of policing, especially during riot control operations.

He even cited an incident where some women officers “vomited in their helmets” during protests.

The comments, which quickly spread across social media platforms, drew sharp public criticism and prompted a swift rebuttal from top government officials and the National Police Service.

In a press statement issued on Friday, the Office of the Inspector General described Mr Kimutus’ remarks as personal opinions that do not represent the official position of the service or the Government of Kenya.

“The officer’s remarks were personal and do not reflect the official stance of the government,” said Mr Muchiri Nyaga, the NPS Director of Corporate Communication and Spokesperson.

“Women in the Service continue to play a critical role in policing, law enforcement, and professional service delivery across the Republic and beyond.”

He added that the NPS remains committed to achieving and upholding the constitutional one-third gender rule in employment and representation.

Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, who was present at the Laikipia forum, firmly rejected the remarks.

Speaking to journalists afterward, he said the Constitution is clear on gender representation and that the country is still far from reaching the legal minimum of women in the police service.

“You cannot say we cannot hire women. We have a constitutional obligation to reach 30 percent. Right now, we are only at 14 percent, and we are still pushing to reach that 30 percent,” Mr Murkomen said.

He admitted that Mr Kimutus might have intended to raise deployment concerns, particularly in conflict zones, but criticised the manner in which he communicated the message.

“That OCS did not know how to package his words. He meant policewomen should not be sent to fight bandits. But he should communicate clearly to avoid sounding disrespectful to women,” said the Interior CS.

Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere also condemned the remarks, saying they were not only discriminatory but also ignored the sacrifices and successes of women in uniform.

“Some of my bodyguards are women, and they are more courageous than most men. Women can withstand pressure. This is not about muscle; it’s about training, discipline, and mindset,” Ms Korere told AVDelta News.

She noted that such views risk undoing the gains made in empowering women in security and called on the NPS to take appropriate action against the officer.

The incident has reignited a broader conversation about gender representation within Kenya’s security forces.

Although the 2010 Constitution mandates that no more than two-thirds of public appointments shall be of the same gender, implementation has been slow in most uniformed services.

According to a 2023 report by the National Gender and Equality Commission, women constitute only 18 percent of the Kenya Police Service and are underrepresented in senior command positions.

Despite the challenges, many women officers have distinguished themselves, both locally and in international peacekeeping missions.

The NPS statement noted that the growing number of women serving abroad is a reflection of “merit, dedication, and professional competence—not chance.”

The police service has not indicated whether disciplinary action will be taken against Mr Kimutus.

However, the Inspector General and Interior Ministry have reiterated their support for gender inclusivity and equal opportunity within the ranks.

“We deeply appreciate the contributions of all officers—men and women—who tirelessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety and security of Kenyans, visitors, and investors in the country,” Mr Muchiri concluded.