President William Ruto on Thursday, January 12, warned Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome of schemes that government officials use to steal money meant for police officers.
While addressing a pass-out parade at General Sevice Unit's Embakasi B Campus, the President noted that procurement officials are known culprits for the theft of public funds.
"I took police budget from the Office of the President and reverted it back to the office of the Inspector General because I wanted to evade corruption cartels that have been stealing from the officers," Ruto explained.
"We will not allow money meant for security agencies to be stolen by corrupt brokers in the government," Ruto warned.
The Head of State also resolved to ensure that the welfare of police officers is improved and their salaries adjusted.
"To the Inspector General, I have allowed you to use guns to protect your officers from corrupt procurement cartels and brokers in the government," Ruto affirmed.
In response, the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome saluted the president, an affirmation that the order was well received and will be executed accordingly.
At Embakasi Campus B, President Ruto presided over the graduation parade of over 1,000 General Service Unit officers.
The president appointed Retired Chief Justice (CJ) David Maraga to serve as chairperson of Police Reforms Taskforce.
Maraga was sworn in on Monday, January 9, and promised to review the terms and conditions of police officers.
The former Chief Justice announced a list of activities that Police Reforms Taskforce will undertake in order to achieve its mandate.
As part of this plan to reform the National Police Service, Ruto ordered Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u to design a budget that will be managed by the office of the Inspector General and not the Office of the President as it were.
