NPS to bishops: ‘We are not a rogue police force’

The National Police Service (NPS) has responded to the statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, who raised serious concerns over extra-judicial killings, abductions, and the alarming rise of femicide cases.

On Thursday the bishops condemned the wave of extra-judicial killings, urging the government to address these violations and restore public confidence.

In its response however, the NPS provided a detailed status update on the country’s security situation, citing the ongoing investigations into recent crimes.

“We have recorded 97 deaths of women in the past three months. Our officers have been actively identifying culprits and taking them to court,” said the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

He added that a Missing Persons Unit had been established at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to address cases of abductions, especially those involving women.

The bishops’ concerns follow a period of heightened tension across Kenya, with public protests against the proposed Finance Bill 2024 leading to clashes that resulted in 42 civilian fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

According to NPS, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) and Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are investigating cases where police officers were allegedly involved.

“We remain committed to ensuring justice and urge the public to provide any information that may aid our investigations,” IG Kanja stated.

The NPS urged citizens to assist with information that could support ongoing investigations and promised heightened security measures.