Kenyan police officers have revealed how they are forced to buy their uniforms for Ksh2,000 instead of the government suppling them with the attires.
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by human rights activist Boniface Mwangi, seen by The Kenya Times, the officers stated that what is happening is unfair.
Moreover, they went on to decry their low pay, noting that they were not being well rewarded to meet all their financial obligations on top of buying their own uniforms.
“If you do your research, 90% of this uniform is bought. It is not given by the service,” the officer in the video stated.
The video, shared anonymously to Boniface Mwangi via his platform showed officers assenting to this fact, heaping the blame on President William Ruto.
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“I blame the government, “the speaker in the video continued to state.
What Kenyan police earn
In the latest salary review in August 2023, police officers received a pay rise of between Ksh.1,200 to Ksh.11,000. The review was to take effect by the end of August.
This review saw a police constable who was earning Ksh.20,390 now earns Ksh.21,645.
Additionally, a police constable who received a salary of Ksh,34,010 got Ksh.35,389 after the review.
A police corporal who took home Ksh.37,700, got a salary increment of Ksh.1,379.
Moreover, a police sergeant who earned Ksh.45,800 now takes Ksh.47,279 home.
Consequently, police inspectors and chief inspectors who had a gross salary of Ksh.60,000 went up to Ksh.70,000.
Further, the ranks of police commissioners and assistant inspector general of police earned salary increments of between Ksh.5,269 and Ksh.11,249 after the salary review.
Arrests over bribes
The police officers also complained on the issue of their arrest over taking bribes.
On the matter, they complained of being arrested for taking bribes while state officers taking huge bribes were allowed alternative conflict resolution measures.
“There are people who have taken big money (with them) you go for alternative dispute resolution.”
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Additionally, the police officers pointed out that they were called out for taking bribes while state officers who engaged in massive corruption cases were treated with dignity.
“They come in suits and ties, you question them, and they go home.”
Comparatively, the police officers stated that they were humiliated for committing similar crimes.
“You come with the cameras; you shame us (officers).
