Celebrated BBC News anchor Larry Madowo has praised Kenya Police officers who rescued him during his visit to his home county, Siaya.
Madowo was driving along a rough, untarmacked road in the county when he got stuck in mud on Thursday, December 31.
The outspoken journalist disclosed that the team of four officers attached to Ukwala Police station went above and beyond to rescue him and his colleague from the mess.
"I’m so grateful to these Kenyan cops who pulled us out when our car got stuck in the heart of Siaya county.
"Thanks to Inspector Wanga and his team from Ukwala Police Station for going above and beyond. Utumishi kwa wote (Service to all) for real. Happy new year!" State Madowo.
The gesture by the police officers, according to many online users, proved that as much as police brutality cases have spiked in 2020, some officers worked diligently in the force.
"Some of these men in blue deserve promotion...They are our brothers and sisters at home. Hats off wakurugenzi. It has a lot to say about their leadership," stated Edwin Kariuki.
"True reflection of Utumishi kwa wote (Service to all)! Kudos comrades. And to you Larry, thanks a lot for that positive gesture to the officers. Happy new year," added Benson Ndambuki.
Larry Madowo is on holiday in Kenya after hosting the final 2020 edition of his show the BBC World News America on Thursday, December 24.
In 2020, cases of police assaults in the country have been on the rise causing uproar while attracting the attention of Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
In a statement on Thursday, December 31, Mutyambai warned Kenyans against provoking police officers and posting the reactions on Twitter.
“We have in the recent past experienced cases of attacks on police officers on duty by members of the public who are either challenging the rule of law or simply expressing self-conceited acts of arrogance.
"Their modus operandi is to upload videos on social media to ridicule the NPS and subject innocent officers to the unforgiving court of public opinion,” stated the IG.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i also corroborated the IGs sentiments and defended the Kenya Police Service over blanket accusations and negative publicity.
"I think people are unfair to the police. Ninety-nine percent of our police officers are fantastic. We have one of the most disciplined police forces on the continent yet people think they are the worst people because of one police officer. It does not work like that," Matiangi noted.
