Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has acknowledged that alcohol and drug abuse among police officers is a serious concern that must be confronted urgently, even as he defended sweeping reforms within the security sector aimed at restoring discipline and operational efficiency.
Speaking during a Speaker’s Kamukunji meeting convened by National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, Murkomen told Members of Parliament that addiction is not confined to civilians but also affects officers entrusted with maintaining law and order.
“Addiction is not confined to just citizens. It is also the police officer. They are part of society, and we have a good number of police officers who are addicted to alcohol. Some also abuse drugs. That must be confessed,” Murkomen said.
The CS disclosed that alcohol abuse among some officers has undermined service delivery and compromised security operations in certain regions. He cited cases in the Kuria region of Migori County, where some Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs) and their juniors reportedly reported to duty while intoxicated, contributing to insecurity in their jurisdictions.
“We have a serious problem of alcohol abuse and addiction within the police service. It must be addressed firmly but compassionately,” he told MPs.
Murkomen revealed that the Inspector-General of Police has been directed to develop and enforce a strict framework to ensure no officer is deployed while intoxicated. More than 1,200 OCSs are currently undergoing vetting to confirm they meet the required standards of discipline and leadership.
Officers struggling with addiction will be taken to rehabilitation centres, he said, but warned that leniency would have limits.
“You may be given one chance for rehabilitation. Beyond that, if you are unable to serve with discipline, you must exit the service to allow others to serve,” he stated.
He linked part of the indiscipline challenge to staff shortages, noting that in some instances officers remain in office despite being unfit because there are no immediate replacements. The recent recruitment of 10,000 police officers, he said, will help plug operational gaps and restore balance across the country.
Beyond substance abuse, Murkomen raised concern over mental health challenges within the service. He faulted station commanders who deploy officers facing severe personal or psychological distress, arguing that such decisions have, in some cases, led to tragic outcomes, including fatal shootings involving civilians and fellow officers.
“OCSs will be held personally accountable if they deploy officers known to have mental health challenges or who are unfit for duty,” he warned.
The CS further proposed institutionalising annual police recruitment within the national budget to prevent long gaps that strain the service and weaken operational readiness.
During the high-level consultative meeting that brought together MPs and senior security officials, Murkomen also addressed recent incidents of insecurity, including the June 24–25 invasion of Parliament, banditry in parts of the Rift Valley and Upper Eastern regions, and rising gang violence in urban and rural areas.
He warned that indiscipline within the police service and the growing menace of criminal gangs pose a grave threat to national stability. Murkomen defended the government’s crackdown on criminal gangs, including those allegedly sponsored by politicians.
“What begins as political goons mutates into urban banditry,” he said, cautioning MPs that gangs initially formed as political bouncers often evolve into fully-fledged criminal networks that terrorise communities.
Referring to the June 25, 2024 invasion of Parliament, the CS maintained that those involved, including their financiers, would face prosecution under terrorism-related provisions where applicable.
“If you engage in acts meant to instill fear on a wide scale, including burning public institutions and stealing firearms, that meets the threshold for terrorism,” Murkomen asserted.
He decried what he termed selective support by some political leaders for criminal elements and warned that enforcement agencies would act without fear or favour.
At the same time, Murkomen expressed concern over judicial impediments, including anticipatory bail orders that, in his view, hamper prosecution efforts.
“You cannot deny the criminal justice system the opportunity to present evidence before court,” he said, urging closer collaboration between Parliament and the Judiciary to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
On banditry and inter-communal conflicts, he reported progress in stabilising parts of West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Samburu and Laikipia, but acknowledged persistent challenges in Isiolo, Meru, Turkana and sections of West Pokot around the Kerio Valley.
The Special Operations Group, though effective, remains limited in number, necessitating additional training, resources and equipment. The ministry is exploring the establishment of police and military training facilities in volatile areas to entrench long-term government presence.
“We want practical field training facilities in those regions to increase security presence and ensure sustainable peace,” Murkomen explained.
He also disclosed plans to strengthen collaboration with National Police Reservists and conservancies while vetting NPR members to weed out those engaging in criminal activities.
Additionally, the CS raised alarm over rising cybercrime and online incitement, saying some digital platforms routinely publish inflammatory and false content that fuels ethnic tension. While acknowledging constitutional protections on freedom of expression, he stressed that incitement and misinformation must be addressed decisively.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ cybercrime unit, he said, will be strengthened with additional tools, equipment and skilled personnel, including young technology experts, to counter digital threats.
Murkomen, however, urged MPs to desist from interfering with police operations through politically driven transfer demands.
“Do not transfer your political problems to security officers,” he cautioned, noting that effective commanders are sometimes removed under pressure, only for insecurity to worsen.