Nairobi, Kenya – August 21, 2024: National government administrators have made an urgent plea to President William Ruto, calling for the swift deployment of police officers to protect chiefs across Kenya. The appeal, led by the Chair of the Regional Commissioners, Dr. Abdi Hassan, underscores the escalating risks faced by chiefs, who have increasingly become targets of violent attacks while performing their duties.
Rising Threats to Chiefs
During a meeting held at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete on Tuesday, August 20, Dr. Hassan highlighted the growing vulnerability of chiefs, who have been attacked, maimed, and even killed in recent months. To address this alarming trend, he urged President Ruto to expedite the establishment of the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), a proposal that has been in the works but not yet implemented.
"We request that the proposal to establish the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU) is fast-tracked," stated Dr. Hassan. "This unit will play a crucial role in supporting chiefs by providing much-needed security as they enforce civil and security duties at the grassroots level."
The proposed deployment of five police officers for each chief aims to ensure their protection as they carry out their responsibilities, particularly in conflict resolution and maintaining order within communities.
Strengthening NGAOs’ Role in Security
Dr. Hassan also addressed the ongoing debate about the role of National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) in security matters. Despite not being listed as one of the security organs in the Constitution, NGAOs are instrumental in coordinating security efforts and maintaining law and order. Dr. Hassan called on President Ruto to reinforce their position through an executive order, emphasizing the importance of their work in the overall security framework.
"There is a perception that NGAOs have no role in security matters, yet these organs are subject to civilian oversight. Hence, we request that our coordination position be reinforced through an executive order," Dr. Hassan urged.
Resource Allocation and Training
In addition to the call for increased security, Dr. Hassan highlighted the need for enhanced ministry allocations to ensure that NGAOs can effectively execute their duties. He emphasized the importance of investing in training, digitization, and the coordination of national government functions to improve efficiency and service delivery at the local level.
The meeting, which brought together Regional Commissioners, County Commissioners, and Deputy County Commissioners, served as a platform to discuss the critical role of NGAOs in ensuring the smooth operation of government functions at the grassroots. Chiefs, being the frontline in Kenya’s justice system, play a vital role in conflict resolution and maintaining close contact with the citizenry.
As the government continues to grapple with security challenges, the appeal from Dr. Hassan and other regional leaders underscores the urgent need for action to protect those who serve on the front lines of governance.
