Thursday, February
12, 2026 - Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has ordered
Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to develop a framework to deal with
officers reporting to duty while intoxicated, following an incident where an
Officer Commanding Station (OCS) attended a security meeting drunk.
Addressing Members of Parliament on Thursday, February 12th,
Murkomen admitted that drug and alcohol abuse is rampant among police officers.
He revealed that two measures have been proposed to curb the
problem.
First, officers struggling with alcoholism will be taken to
rehabilitation centers.
“Out of compassion, those who are addicted to alcohol are
meant to be taken to rehabilitation centres.”
“What we agreed is that the IG will develop a framework
to ensure that no officer will be deployed when drunk,” he said.
However, Murkomen clarified that officers who undergo
rehabilitation will be discharged from service.
“If you are within the disciplined forces, you must
accept that we will take you for rehabilitation, give you your dues, and
discharge you,” he added.
The CS further stressed accountability, warning that OCSs
will be held responsible if they deploy officers under the influence.
He cited the Karatina case where a police officer shot dead
a businessman, insisting such tragedies could have been avoided.
“It is not enough that the officer was charged and
arrested; the OCS must be held accountable,” Murkomen declared.
He also cautioned against deploying officers grappling with
mental health challenges, family disputes, or marital problems, noting that these
issues compromise discipline and public safety.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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