The National Police Service (NPS) has slammed the Standard Media Group, accusing it of misleading members of the public on the compensation of police officers during the recently concluded African Nations Championships (CHAN).
In a statement on Saturday, October 4, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga hit out at the media house over its controversial headline, 'Lagat's Fresh Storm' in which the Standard unearthed explosive allegations against the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.
According to the Standard, the DIG was facing criticism from his juniors over the loss of millions of money meant to pay police officers who were deployed during CHAN.
The newspaper purported that while Lagat was still roped in the ongoing case involving the gruesome murder of teacher Albert Ojwang, he was facing 'a fresh storm' following the alleged disappearance of police per diems.
In response, the police service termed the media house's allegations as a sensationalist headline and a distortion of facts, which bordered on misinformation.
Nyaga emphasised that the claims levelled against the Deputy Police IG, Lagat, amounted to personal attacks and character assassination.
To clarify the allegations, the police service noted that the number of officers initially deployed to provide security for the recently concluded CHAN games at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums was 2,986.
However, due to serious emerging security issues, the initial deployment of 2,986 officers was nearly tripled to approximately 8,546 police officers.
"The purported exposé also fails to mention essential logistical considerations, such as vehicle fuel, catering for the officers, and the Daily Subsistence Allowance for those deployed from outside Nairobi," NPS clarified.
"The alleged 'facts' reported are distortions that border on misinformation, constituting personal attacks and character assassination against the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (DIG-KPS)," it added.
While taking a swipe at the Standard Newspaper, the police service warned the media house of potential dire consequences over such unfounded allegations.
According to the NPS spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, such claims could lead to civil remedial actions, including legal consequences.
