Deputy President William Ruto's running mate and Mathira Member of Parliament, Rigathi Gachagua, has promised that the Kenya Kwanza government will abolish the Persian blue police uniform introduced by President Uhuru Kenyatta in the event they win the August 9 polls.
Speaking at an economic forum in Nyandarua on Saturday, June 11, Gachagua stated that the police did not like the blue uniform, promising to reintroduce the old ones.
He likened the current police uniform to church uniforms and hence the reason for his calls for replacement.
"Even that blue uniform that you do not want will be removed and we will return the old ones. The blue ones will be given back to the PCEA church because it is the uniform that belongs to the Women's Guild," he stated.
He alleged that Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, and his Principal Secretary, Karanja Kibicho, were misusing security agencies to campaign for Raila.
He expressed that the Kenya Kwanza administration had the best interest of security officers at heart, promising to carry out reforms if they get elected.
"Kibicho and Matiang'i have misused the police officers. Not a single day have they looked after their welfare. We want to assure you that the Kenya Kwanza will return your dignity as civil servants."
The Mathira Legislator claimed that the government had intentionally hoarded relief food with the aim of using it to campaign for their opponent and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party candidate, Raila Odinga.
"We want to tell Chiefs that we have heard they are being intimidated to campaign for Raila to win with the threat of losing their jobs. Don't worry, we only have 57 days remaining and we will give you back your jobs. We want to guarantee all officers that their jobs are safe.
"All that food was put in the store and is to be released at a time near the elections to give people so that they can vote for Raila Odinga," Gachagua alleged.
The Persian blue uniform was introduced in 2018 as part of the reforms the government was undertaking in the security agency.
During the announcement, President Uhuru Kenyatta noted that the changes would improve the service delivery and improve the relationship between the police and Kenyans.
“It’s important for everybody and especially the police officers to know that the Kenyan people are funding these changes so that the police can serve the people better,” he stated.
