The National Police Service (NPS) raided Inooro TV on Wednesday, June 29, during a live interview after a civilian guest appeared wearing full police uniform.
Through an official statement, NPS stated that officers raided Inooro TV after a political aspirant identified as Monica Wamaitha Gitau appeared in a full police regalia.
Wamaitha - who is contesting for the Nairobi Woman Representative seat - had been invited by the station to discuss issues affecting the city and how she would address them once elected.
"Police officers based at Kilimani Police Station today received information of an ongoing interview at Inooro TV hosting an alleged uniformed female police officer as a panelist.
"Doubting the credibility of the interviewee police officers rushed to the TV station from where they arrested Monica Wamaitha Gitau, a civilian and an aspirant for the Nairobi Women MP seat in full police uniform," the NPS stated.
Following the raid, the aspirant was arrested and taken to Kilimani police station for questioning.
The Kilimani Police officers are also carrying out further investigations to establish how she acquired a full police uniform.
Following the incident, the police service has asked media houses to confirm the authenticity of panelists.
"To avoid similar incidences in the future, National Police Service wishes to advise all media houses to always liaise for clearance with the Office of the Police Spokesperson or respective regional or county commanders over all requests for interviews with police officers," NPS advised.
Police impersonation is considered a criminal offense in the country. It attracts a fine of up to Ksh1 million or even 10 years imprisonment term.
"Impersonating a police officer contrary to Section 101(b) of the National Police Service Act Cap. 84, Laws of Kenya, carries a sentence of a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million shillings or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both," the law states.
Verifying information on panelists will help media houses in their gatekeeping role and sieving out fake and misleading information, especially during this election period.
