Nakuru Woman Representative Liza Chelule has assured Police officers at Molo Police Station of her support towards their welfare.
Chelule who sits in the Security Committee of the National Assembly was categorical that officers should have good welfare to enable them perform their duties without any challenges.
She added that she will continue to fully dispense her oversight role in the committee.
This, she stated when the committee conducted budget implementation oversight inspection Nakuru County in Tuesday.
The Administration and Internal Security Committee, chaired by Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, conducted a budget implementation oversight inspection in Molo, Nakuru County, where police officers highlighted pressing challenges affecting service delivery.
During the session, the Officer Commanding Molo Police Division (OCPD) Mr. Timon Odingo, cited lack of housing allowance as one of the biggest challenges facing officers in the area.
“Most officers live far from their stations, and when emergencies arise, it becomes difficult to mobilize them quickly. Citizens then blame us for delayed response. With the ongoing affordable housing programme, police houses should be prioritized ,” he told the Committee.
Mr. Odingo further noted that shortage of vehicles and fuel continues to hamper effective policing.
He however, appreciated the area MP, Hon. Kuria Kimani, for facilitating the construction of a police station at Mariashoni, but appealed for vehicles to be deployed to Mariashoni and Elburgon, and one for his own use since his official vehicle has been under repair for the past five months.
From the presentations, the Committee also observed an urgent need to strengthen counselling and chaplaincy services for police officers.
The Officer Commanding the Molo Police Station also raised concerns over lack of due diligence by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) when investigating cases involving officers accused of harming civilians in their line of duty.
He cited an incident where an officer shot a ‘kata hema’ thief caught in the act. He explained that “kata hema” refers to criminals who climb onto moving trailers along the Salgaa–Sachangwan stretch, slit open the tankers, and take off with goods.
“This crime persists mainly because we lack patrol vehicles to cover the highway,” he added.
On his part, the Base Commander, Mr. Victor Nderu, decried the high number of accidents along the Nakuru–Eldoret highway, particularly at Migaai.
“We have raised the matter with KENHA. The road at that point needs to be expanded, and the situation worsens whenever it rains,” Mr. Nderu stated.
Other challenges pointed out included delayed promotions, lack of water supply, and lack of rehabilitation funds.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Tongoyo assured the officers that the issues raised would be given due attention by the Committee.
