The National Police Service (NPS) distanced itself from provocative remarks made by a junior police officer calling for reducing the number of women recruited into the service. NPS clarified that the remarks do not reflect the government’s or the service’s opinion.
In a statement released on Saturday, NPS described the comments made by Nyahururu Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Isaac Kimutus as personal and inappropriate. The service once again made it clear that women form part of policing and law enforcement in Kenya.
““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,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
The Service made it clear that the officer’s remarks hold no influence over official recruitment policies. It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the constitutional requirement of one-third gender representation in public service jobs.
“The NPS further emphasises that the officer’s remarks were personal and do not reflect the official stance of the government,” the statement read. “Women in the Service continue to play a critical role in policing, law enforcement, and professional service delivery across the Republic and beyond.”
NPS also praised the outstanding achievements of Kenyan female officers on the global stage. It pointed out that many women have earned positions in international peacekeeping missions and other deployments, not through favoritism, but through hard work, skill, and professionalism.
“A significant number of women officers are serving internationally, an achievement attained through merit, dedication, and professional competence, not chance,,” said spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
Murkomen, Kanja Defend Women in Uniform
OCS Kimutus made the controversial comments 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 present.
During the event, the Nyahururu OCS claimed he had instructed his female officers to remain at the station during the Gen Z protests on June 25 and July 7, 2025. He argued that they were unable to handle the intensity of the demonstrations, even alleging that some “vomited in their helmets” out of distress.
“Kama ingewezekana kuandika wanawake iwe 20 percent.” Kimutus said. “The rest waandikwe wanaume. Wakati kama wa June 25, na Saba Saba protests kwangu Nyahururu niliambia wanawake wote wakae station.”
He added, “Because unakuta wanatapikia helmet. So ningeomba percentage iwe kidogo so in a station unakuta wanaume wengi kuliko wanawake.”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja also rejected the officer’s remarks, calling them misleading and poorly expressed. Both leaders emphasized that the Constitution firmly upholds gender representation in public service.
“That OCS did not know how to package his words,” said Murkomen. “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.”
Inspector General Kanja echoed Murkomen’s sentiments and reaffirmed the service’s commitment to gender equality.
“The National Police Service (NPS) is gender sensitive,” Kanja stated. “We will cater for both genders when hiring. So do not worry, you are needed.”
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