Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai and Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Maalim Mohamed were pleasantly surprised after the trio met one of the first female officers to serve in Kenya Police Force just before independence.
The trio who were in Elgeyo Marakwet to address the recent clashes and insecurity in the area arrived at Kapsowar where they met the elderly Janet Jebichichi.
“When CS Matiang’i and his entourage arrived at Kapsowar to engage leaders and local security officers, a beautiful old lady stood out and claimed to have an understanding of the disciplined services,
“Police Constable (w) Rachael Jebichii of service No 1306 was enlisted to the then Kenya Police Force sometime in 1961 on account of being married to a serving police officer,” the National Police Service (NPS) said on Wednesday, June 8 statement.
According to NPS, by then, women officers were only enlisted from within the police lines, specifically from amongst the married spouses of male officers, with a limited role of attending to gendered roles within policing, such as search of female prisoners.
Jebichichi served for a short stint spanning close to one year because her husband exited the Force in 1962 – one year after her enlistment – forcing her to mandatorily exit with him as was the rule then.
However, former PC (w) Rachael has no regrets but only fond memories of her service to Kenyans within Kitale and Eldoret Police Stations.
She equally recalls the late Bernard Hinga who took over as the first African Kenyan Chief of Police in 1964 and a fellow colleague from Saboat whose name she can’t recall.
“Though currently walking aided with crutches, nothing seems to suggest that former officer Rachel Jebichichi isn’t up to the task of performing exemplary law enforcement duties!,” NPS further stated.
NPS said that Rachel’s genteel demeanour and sharp wit were equally infectious adding that the former officer definitely melted hearts during the tough Marakwet trip.
“To our young officers, especially the female officers, let’s find encouragement and great policing example from our trendsetters, including former officer Rachel inclusive,” NPS advised.
