The National Police Service (NPS) has addressed a trending video where armed men are seen marching while singing in a local language.
In a statement on Saturday, April 13, NPS said the men dressed in civilian clothes were National Police Reservists (NPR) in Tangulbei, in Baringo County.
The Police urged the public to ignore the ongoing rumors on social media over the video adding that the matching was part of the Reservists’ training session.
“Contrary to the online portrayal and perception regarding a video clip currently circulating on social media, of men singing and marching in civilian clothes while armed, the NPS wishes to inform, reassure and further clarify to the members of public that these are the National Police Reservists engaging in their recreational exercise as part of their ongoing training in Tangulbei, Baringo County,” the statement read in part.
National Police Explains Why the Men Had No Uniforms
According to NPS, the trainees were yet to be kitted with their uniforms and were marching from their residence to the training ground.
NPS explained that the marching was conducted within the Tangulbei Town under the full supervision of their instructors who were seen wearing tracksuits.
“The NPR are part of the NPS and currently, the Tangulbei trainees are on a six-week training course and are due for their Pass Out later this month,” the statement added.
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Kenyans Reactions to NPR Video
The video attracted mixed reactions on social media due to the ongoing bandit attacks in Baringo County and the North Rift region.
Section of X users posted the video alleging that the marching men were a group of bandits.
X users also criticized the NPS for allowing the trainees to march without uniforms, hence leading to confusion.
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“They should be in uniform ata kama ni ya shule (even if its school uniform) at least they are identified, how will anyone know without reading the caption on twitter,” Philemon Lumumba posed.
Others also questioned why the men were singing in a local language and not English or Kiswahili.
However, other X users from the region said the men were NPR trainees as explained by the NPS.
The government revived the NPR in an effort to deal with bandits that have caused a state of instability in the North Rift region.
