This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
On the Kenya-Ethiopia border, a police officer has taken on a new role: teacher. Police Constable Jairus Mulumia, who was posted to Forole Primary School to provide security, stepped in to teach math to Grade Five pupils after some teachers failed to show up due to insecurity.
Eleven people had been killed by suspected Ethiopian militia in the area, leaving the community on edge. However, Constable Mulumia, who is also a trained teacher, saw an opportunity to make a difference. He decided to take over the math lesson, using his combat uniform as a makeshift teaching aid.
A photo of the police officer in action went viral on social media, showing him solving math problems on the board with the keen attention of his young pupils. Interestingly, only girls were in class that day.
Constable Mulumia is reluctant to comment on the incident, citing his position as a police officer. However, he did say that he was unaware that his photo had gone viral, and that he only knew that the people who took the photo were documenting education in the region.
Despite the challenges facing the community, Constable Mulumia's actions have been met with praise from his bosses and the public. Eastern Regional Police Commander Eunice Kihiko said that the officer's actions were a reflection of the ongoing police reforms, and that it was a proud moment for the police service.
Marsabit Police Commander Steve Oloo also commended the officer, saying that he had used his professional training to fill the gap left by teachers. The incident has also highlighted the security provided by the police in the area, even to pupils and teachers.
Constable Mulumia's actions have been seen as a positive example of community policing, and a reminder that even in difficult circumstances, there are still opportunities to make a difference.
