Over the past weekend, Kenyans were treated to a spectacle within the police service after it was discovered that a man identified as Collins Leitich, masqueraded as a National Police Service (NPS) officer and established a police station in Kesses, Uasin Gishu county.

It is still unknown to the public how long the police post has been operational without the knowledge of the authorities. However, one thing remains certain, there is a bureaucratic process that follows before a police post can be established anywhere in the country.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja commented on the viral incident that initiated an online debate as to whether a Kenyan civilian can legally establish their police stations, which are typically managed by the government.

The National Police Service Act, 2011 directs that the creation of a police station or police post is a reserve for the Inspector General of the National Police Service.

Before establishment, the administrative base requires large financing to be equipped with an armoury, cells, offices and functional toilets, among other services.

Kanja clarified that intense lobbying would be required at very senior levels of government security installations. He noted the man who operated the police post in Kesses made an unconstitutional error.

“There is someone who opened his police station recently. Let me start by saying that is a mistake,” Kanja spoke.

He further stated the man should have begun the process by starting with public participation. Kanja noted the area leadership should’ve also been consulted to determine whether the area needs a police station.

“The request should have then been taken to the sub-county security committee led by the Deputy County Commissioner, police commanders and members of the National Intelligence Service,” he continued.

Career profile, achievements of Inspector General Douglas Kanja

The Inspector General maintained that he should have been made aware that such a plan was underway so that he could officially create the patrol station via a gazette notice.

“In designating police stations under subsection(1), the Inspector-General shall ensure that such police stations are equitably distributed throughout each county,” the NPS Act, 2011 reads further.

Douglas Kanja faulted the individuals for failing to observe protocol, however stated that the National Police Service would look into the matter and assess whether the area requires a police post.