The Government has invested heavily in improving the working conditions of police officers in Western Region.
Western Regional Commissioner, Isaiah Nakoru, said part of the government commitment has been fulfilled through provision of enough vehicles and construction of decent houses for police.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service for disciplined forces in Kakamega, Nakoru said Police is a profession like any other and their service to the government is not taken for granted.
“I am appealing to members of the public, the clergy and all other groups to support security officers, as they go about their duties in ensuring there is peace in the country,” he pointed out.
The Regional Commissioner said in recognition of challenges they encounter during their work; the government established a counselling unit within the National Police Service, to counsel police officers who are distressed.
Nakoru further urged police officers to be keen and balance between work and their relationship with their families in order to bond with them as this releases stress.
He commended the church for supporting them in spiritual nourishment and assisting in counselling those who are going through hard times.
“The Church has been on the forefront in ensuring that we remain to the course of serving our country by also supporting in instilling moral values to Kenyans making our work easier,” he pointed out.
The RC said they are working to streamline the sector through various interventions like community policing to ensure police bond well with residents.
At the same time, Nakoru urged politicians to follow the example of the church and respect police officers who sacrifice a lot in ensuring peace prevails in the country.
He regretted that some politicians were making fun of police, not recognizing that they enjoy enormous protection from the same police.
Instead, he asked them to respect and support the police service, as the majority of them work in difficult conditions with instances of staying away from their families in order to maintain order across the country.
RC said that as we head to the August 9th General Election, police in the region are on high alert and have been trained to provide a conducive environment for Kenyans to exercise their democratic right through voting without interference.
Speaking during the prayer service, the National Police Service Spokesperson, Bruno Shioso, asked police officers to work as a team during this election period, to ensure the exercise remains peaceful, free and fair.
By George Kaiga and Moses Wekesa
