Contrary to the tough-talking regional commissioner that was Nelson Marwa, his image and character in ensuring orders are followed continue to fade in the dark, following his appointment as Labour and Social Protection Permanent Secretary.
In the January 2018 appointment, Marwa ostensibly lost the national significance he once enjoyed considering the rather soft roles he was given in overseeing social services. The PS no longer has the privilege of issuing orders and oozing power unlike his days in the Interior ministry.
The appointment also limited his public appearances, serving as a co-principal secretary to Peter Tum in the Ministry of Labor.
Though starting at a humble position of a District Officer in Nyeri County as explained by The Standard, Marwa rose in ranks and power to arguably the most powerful national leader at the Coast, known for confronting head-on anyone he deemed to be on the wrong.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a correspodent based in the region who covered Marwa’s tenure, described his character that helped improve security at the region beleaguered by recurrent insecurity incidents.
“Marwa was tough and daring. We knew him as a government official who would make sure that things are done swiftly. He never lost in his fights,” expressed the source.
“Whenever there was a problem anywhere, Marwa would get there before any other person in government. Nothing would happen at the Coast without his knowledge,” added the source.
Before his promotion as the regional coordinator in 2016, Marwa had been the Mombasa County Coordinator for six years where he fearlessly fought against drug dealers and terrorists, a path, the correspondent says, most police officers treaded with a lot of trepidation.
“At one point even the police seemed to abandon him. He used to many times claim that only God, the President, and his family support really mattered in his duties.
“The few people who ever dared to engage Marwa either lost the final battle or ended up with egg on their face. Critics always accused him of living in the past where DCs and PCs wielded a lot of power,” added the source.
Marwa never shied away from stepping on the toes of powerful coast leaders, including Governor Ali Hassan Joho with the two playings out their rivalry in public severally. In January 2018, Marwa had ordered for the closure of all strip clubs licensed by the Joho's administration.
“People have lured young women to dance naked in front of men without shame. It is such a shocking and disgusting sight,” remarked Marwa.
On March 26, 2014, Marwa also declared that all terror suspects would be shot on sight on the rationale that judicial officers were not able to convict terrorists to prevent them from committing violent acts, a comment that attracted outcry from human rights organizations.
“We will go after all these gangs. At the end of our operation, we will parade them (the firearms) to you and tell you the owners. We will give names. I do not care, and I will name them. You will see, just know that the work has begun, I will shock you,” Marwa is quoted by The Standard.
“I will not be silenced by anyone. Are they gods?" added Marwa.
Marwa is also remembered for calling out his seniors, on March 12, 2016, a quarrel erupting between Marwa and Mombasa Police Commandant Robert Kitur over police conduct, Marwa claiming that “police stations had been turned into ATMs”
This attracted the attention of national leaders, with Kitur earning himself a transfer and Marwa being appointed the Coast Regional Coordinator.
"Some of these people are protecting heroin and cocaine. What do you think they use those firearms for if not for protecting heroin and cocaine? These are barons,” claimed Marwa.
Other leaders who brushed feathers with the tough-talking Marwa include Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.
