Kenyans are used to the members of the disciplined forces expressing a tough demeanour and a largely unapproachable outlook.
However, the Kenya Police Service (KPS) has lit up Twitter with a series of hilarious responses and witty tweets that mark a sharp departure from this norm.
Through the official Twitter handle, @PoliceKE, the police have been engaging citizens in an unbelievably friendly way on different matters including fighting crime and general life issues.
One of the most outstanding moments was when a member of the public sought to marry, whoever was managing the KPS twitter handle.
"Hey police, najua mwenye hii handle ni dem. I am single... nataka dem askari (Hi, I know a lady is running this account. I am single and I want to marry a female cop).
In an equally witty remark, the Police responded: "Kulingana na matokeo ya #TwitterVAR umenoa, kwa hivyo jaribu kwingine (According to the video assistant referee [VAR], you are wrong. You'll have to try your luck elsewhere)".
Startled by this response, a netizen by the name of Owich scolded the KPS terming the highly interactive sessions as "a sign of idleness".
However, the police took their time to school the social media users that they are equally human beings with a social life like any other citizen.
"Ni kwa sababu una assume robots hu run hizi accounts, sio? (Why are you assuming that these accounts are manned by robots and not human beings?)" the police posed.
"We are human, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers and above all, peace-loving Kenyans whose main task is -service to all," they added.
When members of the public sought to know whether a male or a female member of the service was operating the official account, the police clarified: "Ni ‘battalion’ ya wasee kadhaa (It is a battalion of several service members)".
In another incident, a netizen by the name Tom Bwana sought to know which team the police were supporting between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards during Saturdays Mashemeji Derby.
The Kenya Police operatives, however, insisted that they always remain true to their motto and clarion call "Utumishi kwa Wote (Service to All)".
It is at this point that another user, Moris-Jeremy Wanjohi, interjected by posting a photo of Ksh50 note, a currency denomination associated with bribing police, terming it as enough incentive for the police to reveal which side of the Mashemeji Derby they were supporting.
"Naona vile wanasmile wakiona iyo kanoti (I know they are all smiles on seeing the familiar "bribing note"), Tom responded.
At this point, the police came responding casually in Sheng to the amusement of netizens: "Ona huyu. Wacha za ovyo boss! Kwa nini kugonga below the ‘mbeot’ (Look at him. Stop personalizing this. Why hit below the belt)."
The new approach, however, saw many netizens showering them with praise with some opining that the social media team at KPS deserves Head of State Commendation (HSC).
A shared opinion among a section of the netizens is that the new approach by the police only borders that of Safaricom which is famed for having a tender, interactive approach, unlike many corporates.
"This is the best handle after @SafaricomPLC pongezini (Congratulations)," one Robby Kinyua Wanjiku stated.
"At this rate, all criminals will line up to report themselves. Congrats Utumishi kwa Wote!" one Ken Japala concluded.
