A couple of years ago, I was a candidate preparing to sit for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary School. The school, Christ the King Academy, provided a forum where we would watch an acted out set book. Set books are the books read by all candidates for a national literature test. My favorite set book, Kifo Kisimani, was next on stage. The most boring part was the scene about a conversation between two police officers.
The police officers were portrayed as semi-illiterate characters who are loyal to the government that was a dictatorship as per the script. The police officers were misused and instrumental even in participating in illegal activities.
“I am a career policeman.†Said Julius Kyumbule, the Deputy Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), of the Central Police Station at the entrance of the University of Nairobi.
He baffled me personally. Never had I met a Kenya police officer who would communicate fluently and effectively.
“I am a graduate and a masters from the University of Nairobi.†Posed Julius as he pulled Ksh.100 note from a drawer.
“The problem with Kenyans, they think every police officer is a corrupt just at the sight of a police officer pick a bribe from the public.â€
This particular police officer had changed my perception. He also confirmed to us that four among ten police office are career officers. This perception was not only mine but also from the actors of the characters from my favorite set book from high school. This reinforced it even more. It is a perception share by almost every Kenyan.
We managed to reach Julius’ office through a public relation officer, John Nderema, assigned as a customer care service provider at the Central Police Station.
Julius told us about his passion for his career. He challenge the perception I had and made me feel as if I was disrespectful authority and had made hasty generalization about the Police Service. He summoned us to various cases where the public has looked down upon people who would die in the line of duty of protecting the public.
“We work fulltime are not paid for overtime.†Said Julius.
This statement hit me. I feel like it’s my duty to honor and respect authority despite the circumstances. Julius also said being a police officer is a calling. It is a far-reaching decision. It calls for a lot of sacrifice. At least the least we could do is by appreciating the servants of this sovereign country .Julius then referred us to Teleposta where The Kenya Police launching their services. Huduma Bora.
At Teleposta sat a policewoman. She was warm and friendly.
“Hello, how can I help you? I am Constable Dorothy Naiserain. â€Smiled the lady.
We informed her about what we needed and she gave us sufficient information. She said that the police force encounters reforms during different to presidential eras.
“I enjoy what I do, I love my Job.†Said Dorothy.
This was a positive policeman. She was inspired and had served the Kenya police for four years.
“I am a student at Kenyatta University.†Confessed Dorothy.
She told us that despite the fact that their salary is not motivating; the government offers them loans. She decided to pursue Forensic Science to sharpen her skills as a police woman and to get promoted.
“I am a wife to a civilian and a mother to one.†Revealed Dorothy.
She said that she found life challenging as any other citizen finds it. She faces the same problems just like any other human being.
I realized that this confession made me feel connected. Even as much as the society treats police officers like out casts that are not part of our society. Not putting in mind that they are our brothers, sisters mothers and fathers.
“I do not understand why people fear us.†Said Dorothy disquietly.
She told us she feels the public abandons them simply because they are police officers.
“I cannot attend a lesson in my uniform.†Said Dorothy.
Dorothy seemed to wonder why the public is so furious and unfriendly to the police officers. In fact she knew people would leave her out if she had told people in class her career.
She encouraged us if we had passion or knew anyone with passion. We should advocate them to join the police service.
This experience changed my perception. It was somewhat a challenge and a chance to hear the other side of the story.
The next time I should find myself in a situation that calls for my appreciation to the great servants of this nation. Sure, I will.