MERU, Kenya – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned newly recruited National Police Reservists (NPRs) against misusing firearms and their authority, urging them to maintain discipline and professionalism while serving in their communities.
Murkomen issued the warning on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as he presided over the passing-out ceremony of 705 newly recruited NPR officers at the Magado Field Training Camp in Meru County.
The graduands completed the National Police Reserve Recruit Course 1/2026, which ran from August 18 to September 23.
Murkomen Warns Against Firearms Misuse
Addressing the reservists, Murkomen cautioned them against treating their new authority as an opportunity for personal gain.
“Being an NPR is not a free pass to personal aggrandisement. Use your authority and firearms with the utmost care and responsibility,” Murkomen said.
He stressed the Government’s position on discipline and responsible use of state firearms, warning the new reservists that their roles came with significant responsibilities.
The CS urged the graduands to exercise restraint and uphold professional standards as they begin their assignments.
705 NPRs Graduate After Joint Training
The 705 reservists were recruited from 10 counties with distinct security challenges.
They include Laikipia, Samburu, Baringo, Turkana, Garissa, Isiolo, West Pokot, Meru, Marsabit and Kitui.
The cohort marks the first time NPR recruits from multiple counties have undergone training together under a single standardised programme at a unified police training installation.
The joint training was designed to establish consistent standards in firearms safety, field operations, professional conduct and accountability.
Kanja Urges Political Neutrality
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja reminded the new reservists of the public trust attached to their uniforms.
Kanja urged them to remain politically neutral and focus on providing professional, community-based security.
He thanked Murkomen for supporting the National Police Service and said the reservists would play an important role in strengthening security at the community level.
Kanja also acknowledged the role of the Meru County Government and local residents in supporting the establishment of the Magado training camp.
NPR Training Targets Modern Security Challenges
Deputy Inspector-General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat said the joint training reflected the changing nature of security threats, which increasingly cross administrative and county boundaries.
He said security agencies therefore require standardised approaches and coordinated responses.
The training was conducted with instructional support from the National Police College, Main Campus, Kiganjo.
What the New Reservists Were Taught
The one-month course equipped the NPR recruits with foundational skills in command responsiveness, firearms safety, field readiness, professional conduct, accountability and teamwork.
The training is also expected to provide a foundation for future mentorship and refresher programmes for the reservists.
The standardised approach is intended to ensure that NPR officers serving in different parts of the country operate under consistent professional and operational standards.
Senior Security Officials Attend Ceremony
The graduation ceremony was attended by senior security officials, including Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma Muganda, National Police College Commandant Nyale Munga, and KPS Director of National Police Reservists Kenneth Kimani.
Family members, friends and members of the public also attended the ceremony.
