Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat, and Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Gilbert Masengeli, faced backlash following their posts on International Women’s Day (IWD).
The public was outraged when the posts by both the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service on social media bore the images of the two males (Lagat and Masengeli) to wish all women in the National Police Service a happy International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8.
The public could not understand why no woman was recognized in the force on March 8, which is a day to honor all women and those who have made a significant impact on the world.
The two police bosses recognized the women in uniform for their dedication and hard work
On International Women’s Day, we honour the women in policing and reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive service. Happy International Women’s Day,” read a poster with Lagat’s portrait.
“To every woman in uniform and every woman shaping our world: your strength lies in the courage you carry every single day. Continue to rise, lead, protect, nurture, and inspire. Happy International Women’s Day,” said Masengeli with his signature smile.
By Sunday evening, the posts had garnered massive numbers on X, capturing the reach and impact.
Lagat’s post, which was published at 7:20 am, had more than 300K views, nearly 1000 comments, almost 1000 likes, and over 600 retweets.
On the other hand, Masengeli’s card, which went live at 9 am local time, had nearly 100K views, more than 200 likes, over 100 retweets, and about 200 comments.
Police Chiefs’ messages draw mixed reactions
Kenyans raised concerns about the Kenya Police Service’s failure to acknowledge women in the service, particularly for plastering their towering photos across social media on International Women’s Day.
“Would be better without this face. Just use a pictorial of a woman. It’s simple that way. ” Janet Machuka stated.
According to the public, the use of Lagat and Masengeli’s photos captured their raw insensitivity towards women in general.
“Stop disappointing us, please. Do you people want to tell us there are no women up the ranks whose pictures can be used only for today? Stop showing us your incompetence, please,” Julius Nzekele commented, expressing his disappointment.
Celebrating Women in Uniform
Public outrage over the posters grew. Hours later, in what appeared to be a way to calm the masses, the same police accounts published a video featuring female officers celebrating the International Women’s Day.
The video featured Maurine Adhiambo (IP), a staff officer admin of the GSU, Lydia Ligama, the Commandant of the Tourist Police Unit, Bianca Nzioka (AIG), the Director of Training and Research of the Administration Police, and Christine Temco (AIG), Director of Legal Affairs of the Administration Police, among others.
Also Read: Women Empowerment in West African States: Milestones, Reforms and Breaking Barriers
International Women’s Day (IWD)
International Women’s Day is commemorated every year on March 8. It celebrates all women for their achievements and their roles as agents of change advancing gender equality.
The IWD theme for 2026 was “Give To Gain,” which promoted mentoring and donations, according to the United Nations.
Highest Ranked Women in the National Police Service (NPS)
The National Police Service is dotted with women holding top positions, besides the Inspector General and two deputies being men.
Among the highest-ranking women in the NPS is Ms. Zipporah Nderitu, SSP, who currently serves as the Police Advisor at the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC).
On World Humanitarian Day 2025, she was honored as one of the World Humanitarian Heroes.
In Kenya, she was nominated as the Best Individual Police Officer at the Outstanding Police Service Awards (OPSA), held by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority in 2014.
Also Read: NPS Develops Distress App For Women To Easily Report Crime
On the other hand, Dr. Eunice Dobby is not only an officer but also a scholar and a diplomat.
According to NPS, she rose through the ranks from a police constable in 1999 to a commissioner of police, breaking barriers to become Kenya’s first fully rated female police pilot.
Dr. Dobby has been recognized nationally for her outstanding service, receiving several presidential honors, including the Trail Blazers Award, the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), and the Head of State Commendation (HSC).
Dr. Margaret Wanjuhi Naserian Gakami, ASP, is one of the NPS’s top female officers, in addition to all the other stellar women in uniform.
Margaret graduated with a PhD in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, becoming the first woman in the Administration Police Service to earn a doctorate degree.
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