President William Ruto's government dismissed reports that it had rolled out plans to give police officers new uniforms without pockets.
According to a statement dated Thursday, November 3, the Ministry of Interior distanced itself from reports indicating that law enforcement officers would be required to acquire the new uniforms.
Moreover, the ministry maintained that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had not issued the directive.
Interior Ministry, which was previously under Fred Matiang'i, maintained that any new changes will complement cops' capacities to perform their duties.
"The Government through the Ministry of Interior and National Police Service Commission will continue to prioritize reforms that dignify the Police and complement their capacities for an effective discharge of their duties," the Ministry stated.
The statement came after online reports indicated that the government had brokered a deal to roll out new police uniforms with no pockets.
Its introduction was said to target traffic law enforcement officers who were accused of collecting bribes while manning different roads.
However, Interior Ministry dismissed the reports maintaining that it was fake news.
Reforms Instituted by Ruto
After ascending to power, Ruto signed an Executive Order granting the service autonomy by transferring their budget from the Office of the President. On Wednesday, November 2, he appointed Bernice Sialaal Lemedeket as NPS Accounting Officer.
To further reform the country's security sector, Ruto disbanded the Special Service Unit (SSU), which was attached to the office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
So far, nine officers drawn from the disbanded unit are facing charges over the disappearance of Indian nationals who were part of Ruto's campaign IT team.
In addition, Ruto tasked the new Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Ibrahim Amin, to expedite cases of kidnappings and forced disappearances in the country.
