The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a probe into the viral video that showed General Service Unit (GSU) graduates making reckless sentiments after their pass-out parade held on Wednesday, December 8.
The officers, whose actions have been portrayed as taunting the public, are now under investigations to establish how they joined the service and what motivated them into joining the GSU in the first place.
Upon the video going viral and attracting mixed reactions, the NPS ordered that their deployment be delayed as investigations take place. The graduates were retained at the GSU Training School in Embakasi while their colleagues were deployed to begin executing their duties to the nation.
Police Spokesperson, Bruno Shiosho, speaking to Nation Africa, insisted that the investigation will also seek to find the exact number of officers that were involved in the production of the video clip.
The action against the officers will be in line with the National Police Service Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“Of course we understand these are young officers who are full of excitement for their 1st day of service. It was a big day also in terms of the chief guest present, but there must be a review of what happened. We can’t make assumptions,” Shioso told Nation.
“We are also seeking to establish their motivation to join the service because they must fit the requirements of a modern-day service.”
The group, whose future lies in the hands of the police disciplinary units, was part of the 2,502 constables who graduated as GSU officers.
The GSU undergoes intensive training at the Magadi Training Camp in Kajiado County and is viewed as one of the most disciplined units within the police service.
Shioso expressed shock at how the freshmen pulled such a reckless move, defying GSU core principle of discipline. The unit's officers join elite teams such as the Presidential Escort Unit and the Recce Squad.
“I personally took a while to understand why they had done it. This is our premium and most tactical unit that we rely on because of its discipline. More is expected especially on the unit’s officers, they should be beyond reproach," noted Shioso.
In the viral clip, the officers were heard uttering remarks that bordered on defiance in sheng, a colloquial language. Their utterances attracted condemnation from a section of Kenyans who castigated the manner in which they celebrated the completion of their training.
After the video attracted the wrath of Kenyans, the NPS responded by terming the incident as reckless.
"Attention of the NPS is drawn to a video clip circulating on social media depicting newly graduated GSU officers recording themselves as they make some irresponsible and reckless remarks."
"We wish to clarify and assure the public that the behaviour portrayed in the clip is not acceptable and does not reflect the values of the GSU, KPS, and the NPS. All graduands went through a rigorous value-based training modelled on democratic policing principles and designed to make them responsive and responsible officers of the law at the service of citizens," read part of the statement.
Their action also differed from President Uhuru Kenyatta's call to them during the pass out parade.
“Your unit in particular and your reputation for bravery, excellence and unfailing commitment to duty is also unrivalled which also I believe is a sign of the discipline and excellent training that is at the heart of GSU training. I call upon you graduates today to ensure that the GSU flame of excellence continues to burn,” Uhuru stated.
