Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has called on newly graduated security officers to uphold the principles outlined in the National Police Service Act and the Constitution of Kenya as they take up their duties
He emphasised the importance of using diplomacy to build strong, trust-based relationships with the public, rather than instilling fear through hostility or excessive force.Speaking at the Border Police Training Campus during the official closing ceremony of the Border Police Unit Special Role Course No. 1/2025, the CS praised the 127 graduating officers for their resilience and commitment in completing the rigorous program.“It gives me great pleasure to celebrate this momentous day with you. The training you have undergone has tested your limits and equipped you with critical skills essential for national security,” he said.
He stressed that all officers are trained on how to use firearms and it is clearly stipulated in the NPS Act, 2011. “When you use a firearm against another person, its either your life is in danger or somebody is running away who has committed felony, or custody or any other circumstance you find your life is in danger or a life of another civilian is in danger,” stated the CS.
He wondered why Kenyas are defending criminals, making reference to his remarks when he visited Dagoretti police post in Kiambu county after the Wednesday protests, after someone robbed a police station of a gun and running away with it.
With the gun in the wrong hands, the CS said the culprit can either hurt a police officer or a civilian and questioned how the officers are expected to retrieve the same. The course, tailored to meet the challenges of modern-day border security, focused on a broad range of tactical and strategic competencies, including ambush and anti-ambush operations, counter-IED tactics, patrol formations, forensic procedures, threat assessment, and battlefield terrain appreciation.“The dynamic nature of our security landscape demands constant evolution. I commend the National Police Service for continually updating its curriculum to reflect local threats and global best practices,” he added.
In his address to the officers, CS Murkomen reiterated the need for professionalism and wisdom in applying their skills. He stressed that all use of force must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate, per Kenya’s legal framework.“As you report to your various postings, remember that your role is to safeguard our borders and earn the trust of the communities you serve. Diplomacy is not weakness—it is strength.
Build relationships, not barriers,” he stated.He also extended appreciation to the instructors and staff at the training facility for their dedication and high standards in preparing the officers for the field.
