Acting Interior CS Musalia Mudavadi and senior police bosses during the unveiling of the memorial site for police officers killed in Embakasi on Friday, December 6, 2024: PHOTO/ HANDOUT
At least 29 police officers lost their lives while on duty in 2024, marking a decrease from the 37 officers who died in 2023, according to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the acting Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Mudavadi, while addressing the solemn ceremony, explained that most of the officers who died this year were victims of terrorist attacks and livestock theft raids. He also noted that two officers lost their lives following attacks by members of the public. The names of the fallen officers were unveiled at a memorial site in Embakasi, as a tribute to their ultimate sacrifice in protecting the nation.
A list of the officers’ names was officially unveiled at a memorial site in Embakasi, as a tribute to their sacrifice in protecting the nation. Mudavadi, along with Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, led the solemn ceremony, which was marked by grief and sorrow from the widows, relatives, and friends of the fallen officers.
Among the mourners was Benson Nderitu Mwangi, who came to honor his 29-year-old son, an officer killed in an early attack by suspected al-Shabaab militants in Mandera County. His son’s life was tragically cut short after a militant ambush, and he emphasized the need for better equipment for officers.
Two officers were also remembered for their bravery in an incident where they were attacked while trying to protect young girls from undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
In his address, Inspector of Police Douglas Kanja called for greater respect for police officers, urging the public to recognize the law enforcement’s commitment to upholding justice and peace.
Mudavadi highlighted the government’s ongoing support for the families of fallen officers, including the employment of six widows and three orphans in the police force. This initiative will continue, with further recruitment of qualified family members of fallen officers in the future.
The government also reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare and working conditions of police officers, including plans for decent housing, better medical services, and mental health support. Additionally, a Veterans Endowment Fund is being established to further support the families of fallen officers.
“Their sacrifices not only safeguard our country but also solidify its standing as a beacon of safety on the global stage,” Mudavadi said, paying tribute to the bravery and dedication of the fallen officers. Their names will be etched on the commemorative monument, inspiring future generations to carry forward the values they defended.
The event was also attended by Dr. Salome Beacco, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Correctional Services, Commissioner General of the Prisons Service Patrick Mwiti Aranduh, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Ibrahim Amin, and Issack Hassan, Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
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