NAIROBI, Kenya – A new police unit unveiled by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sparked controversy, with a security expert questioning its legality and viability.
On Friday, January 24, Murkomen launched the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), a new arm of the Administration Police Service (APS) designed to bolster security and governance in villages nationwide.
The unit will work directly under chiefs and their assistants, assisting them in maintaining law and order in their jurisdictions.
The initiative is part of a broader plan first proposed in 2022 by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to assign five police officers to each of Kenya’s 3,950 chiefs and 9,043 assistant chiefs.
The government hopes the NGAPU will enhance grassroots security and streamline the enforcement of laws at the village level.
The unit’s responsibilities are wide-ranging. According to government documents, NGAPU officers will assist in high-risk operations, including resolving land disputes, combating alcohol and drug abuse, and enforcing public safety regulations.
They will also provide security at public functions such as barazas, support peace-building efforts, and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies during coordinated operations.
NGAPU will have its headquarters in Nairobi, with regional offices established across counties, sub-counties, and local divisions.
However, security consultant George Musamali has cast doubt on the unit’s constitutionality and effectiveness.
“My honest opinion: This won’t work. First, it is unconstitutional. Secondly, police officers will not subordinate themselves to a civilian who holds an unconstitutional office. All their actions and activities will be challenged in a constitutional court,” Musamali stated on his X account.
My honest opinion. This won’t work. First it is unconstitutional. Secondly police officers will not subordinate themselves to a civilian who holds an unconstitutional office. All their actions and activities will be challenged in a constitutional court.
The remarks have reignited debate over the role of chiefs and government administrators in security operations.
Critics argue that integrating police officers into the National Government Administrative Office (NGAO) framework risks blurring the lines between civilian and security functions, potentially undermining the chain of command within the police service.
Proponents of the unit, however, believe it will address security challenges at the grassroots level, providing chiefs with the tools and personnel to maintain peace and order in their communities.
