This archive report was first published on 31 October 2021.
On October 27, the government directed police stations with fewer than six officers to be shut down and the officers to return to their mother stations. However, the directive caused widespread confusion and uproar among Kenyans, who argued that it would worsen insecurity in the affected areas.
Speaking in Kirinyaga County on October 30, Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho revealed that the state had reconsidered the order. He explained that the intention behind the directive was to protect officers in high-risk areas, not to shut down stations countrywide.
"That was not the intention, the intention was for where there is exposure. If you are in a dangerous zone and you are just five officers, you are exposed," Kibicho stated. "Those are the ones we are telling are few. The number needs to increase so that when criminals ambush them, they don't overpower them," he added.
The directive was issued after unidentified individuals broke into a police post at Kirimon Police Post in Samburu West on October 25, stealing ammunition. The incident highlighted the need for increased security measures, but the government's initial response was met with criticism.
As a result of the directive, six police stations were shut down in Mukurweini, Nyeri County, and another six in Subukia, Nakuru County. However, the government has since withdrawn the directive, and the stations have been reopened.
