OCS Isaac Kimutus speaks during a Jukwaa La Usalama Forum in Laikipia county on Thursday, July 31. /SCREENGRABThe National Police Service has distanced itself from remarks by a Nyahururu-based OCS calling for the recruitment of women into the service to be scaled down.
Isaac Kimutus made the proposal during the Jukwaa La Usalama Forum in Laikipia County on Thursday, July 31.
In attendance were Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior officials.
The officer’s remarks, which have been widely shared on social media, suggested the service should “scale down” future recruitment of women.
His argument? Women, being the weaker sex, cannot handle tasking assignments like containing crowds during riots or protests.
"During the June 25 Gen Z protests, I told all female officers in Nyahururu to remain in the station, all of them. Even during Saba Saba, I told them the same thing because you find that some even throw up inside the helmet," Kimutus said.
He suggested that during future recruitment, female induction should be capped at 20 per cent.
"Right now, you find a station has 10 female officers and only five male counterparts, what will you do and work must be done?" he posed. "We have a big challenge."
In a statement on Saturday, August 2, the NPS clarified that the comments do not reflect the official stance of the service or that of the government.
Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the OCS's remarks are a personal opinion and inconsistent with government policy.
The NPS said both Murkomen and the IG promptly and unequivocally reaffirmed the government's commitment to gender equity in the public service.
"The NPS further emphasises that the officer’s remarks were personal and do not reflect the official stance of the government," said the statement.
The NPS lauded the contributions of women officers, noting that many are serving both locally and internationally, with assignments earned through merit, dedication, and professional competence.
It also underscored its commitment to upholding the constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of public appointments be dominated by one gender.
“As a service, we deeply appreciate the contributions of all officers—men and women—who tirelessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety and security of Kenyans, visitors, and investors in the country,” the statement read.
The clarification comes amid increased public scrutiny over gender representation in security agencies and the enforcement of constitutional provisions on equality in employment.
While affirming the government's stance, Murkomen said the constitution mandates at least 30 per cent gender representation in public service, and police recruitment must reflect that.
“You cannot say we cannot hire women. We have a constitutional responsibility to pick 30 per cent. We are only at 14 per cent and still struggling to get to 30 per cent,” he said.
