NPS disowns Nyahururu OCS’s call to cut female recruitment, says remarks are personal

The National Police Service (NPS) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by a junior officer calling for a reduction in the recruitment of female police officers, saying the views do not reflect the position of the government or the service.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NPS described the sentiments made by Nyahururu Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Isaac Kimutus as personal and inappropriate, adding that women continue to play an essential role in policing and law enforcement across the country.

“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to clarify comments made on Thursday, 31st July 2025, by a junior Kenya Police Service commanding officer. These remarks, which were shared across various social media platforms, expressed his personal views on the need to, as he termed it, ‘scale down’ the future recruitment of women into the National Police Service,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated in part.

The service clarified that the views aired by the officer have no bearing on official recruitment policies, and reiterated its commitment to the constitutional requirement of one-third gender representation in public employment.

“The NPS further emphasises that the officer’s remarks were personal and do not reflect the official stance of the government. Women in the Service continue to play a critical role in policing, law enforcement, and professional service delivery across the Republic and beyond,” read the statement.

NPS highlighted the global accomplishments of Kenyan female officers, noting that many are currently serving in international peacekeeping missions and other deployments based on merit and professionalism.

“Notably, a significant number of women officers are serving internationally—an achievement attained through merit, dedication, and professional competence, not chance,” stated Nyaga.

The controversial remarks were made during the 23rd Jukwaa La Usalama Forum held in Laikipia County, where Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja were also in attendance.

The officer said that during the Gen Z protests on June 25 and July 7, 2025, he was forced to instruct his female officers to stay back at the stations, claiming they were unable to cope with such volatile situations, even noting that some allegedly vomited in their helmets.

“Kama ingewezekana kuandika wanawake iwe 20 percent. The rest waandikwe wanaume. Wakati kama wa June 25, na Saba Saba protests kwangu Nyahururu niliambia wanawake wote wakae station,” Kimutus said.

“Because unakuta wanatapikia helmet. So ningeomba percentage iwe kidogo so in a station unakuta wanaume wengi kuliko wanawake.”

CS Murkomen and IG Kanja dismissed the officer’s comments as poorly phrased and misleading, insisting that the Constitution is clear on gender representation in public service.

“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. His example was not right,” said Murkomen.

Kanja added that: “The National Police Service (NPS) is gender sensitive. We will cater for both genders when hiring. So do not worry, you are needed.