Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (DIG-KPS), Mr. Eliud Lagat, on Thursday, 14th August 2025, stunned officers at Mwingi and Matuu Police Stations after making unannounced visits to assess service delivery and officer welfare.
The surprise inspections took place in Kitui and Machakos Counties, where the DIG personally toured critical sections of both stations, including the Report Office, Children and Gender Office, Cells, Anti-Crime Unit, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Offices, Traffic Office, and Police Lines. His presence caught many officers off-guard, but it provided an opportunity for candid engagements about challenges on the ground.
During the visits, Mr. Lagat commended officers for their dedication, professionalism, and tireless commitment to public safety. He noted that despite working in high-pressure environments, many officers have continued to uphold the values of integrity and service to the community.
The DIG placed strong emphasis on the importance of mental health awareness within the police force, calling it a critical area that cannot be ignored. He highlighted that policing is a demanding profession that often exposes officers to stressful and traumatic situations, making it essential to provide adequate psychosocial support.
“Your mental well-being is as important as your physical fitness. Without a healthy mind, you cannot serve the public effectively,” Mr. Lagat told officers. He urged them to seek help when in distress and to watch out for their colleagues’ well-being.
In addition to mental health, the DIG addressed the need to improve officers’ welfare, including better living conditions, fair deployment, and adequate resources for effective policing. He reminded officers that discipline, teamwork, and professionalism remain the foundation of the Kenya Police Service, but these must be complemented by humanity and empathy when dealing with the public.
“You are not just enforcers of the law; you are role models within your communities. Let your actions inspire both your colleagues and the public you serve,” he said.
Mr. Lagat also stressed the importance of combating corruption within the service, noting that public trust can only be earned through consistent integrity and transparency. He encouraged officers to resist any temptation that could tarnish the image of the police force.
The visits were attended by senior police officers from Kitui and Machakos Counties, as well as the DIG’s Personal Assistant, Assistant Superintendent of Police Patrick Kithure.
The unannounced inspections come at a time when the National Police Service is working to strengthen community policing, improve officer welfare, and enhance public confidence in law enforcement. Many officers welcomed the DIG’s presence, describing it as a morale booster and a reminder that top leadership is paying attention to conditions on the ground.
By combining praise with a call for higher standards, Mr. Lagat’s surprise visits signaled that the Kenya Police Service is determined to uphold professionalism while addressing the welfare of its officers and the needs of the public they serve.
