The National Police Service (NPS) has publicly disassociated itself from recent controversial remarks made by Nyahururu Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Isaac Kimutus, who suggested that the recruitment of women into the police force should be reduced.
In a statement released on Saturday, NPS condemned the comments as “personal and inappropriate,” emphasizing that they do not represent the position of the Service or the government.
“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to clarify comments made on Thursday, 31st July 2025, by a junior Kenya Police Service commanding officer.
These remarks, which were widely circulated on social media, expressed his personal view on reducing the number of women recruited into the Service,” read part of the statement by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
Nyaga affirmed that the NPS remains committed to upholding constitutional requirements on gender representation in public service, including the one-third gender rule.
“The officer’s remarks have no bearing on our recruitment policies. Women continue to play a vital role in policing, law enforcement, and professional service delivery across Kenya and in international assignments,” the statement continued.
NPS also highlighted the global recognition of Kenyan female officers, noting their active roles in peacekeeping missions and other international operations based on merit and competence.
“Many of our female officers serve abroad not by chance but through hard work, professionalism, and dedication,” Nyaga said.
The remarks by OCS Kimutus were made during the 23rd Jukwaa La Usalama Forum in Laikipia County, attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Kimutus claimed that female officers struggled to handle the chaos during the Gen Z protests on June 25 and July 7, alleging that some even “vomited in their helmets” and should be assigned station duties instead.
“If it were possible, women should be hired at 20 percent. During protests like those on June 25 and Saba Saba, I told all the women to remain at the station,” he said.
His remarks sparked backlash, prompting swift responses from senior government officials.
CS Murkomen criticized the officer for his lack of tact, stating: “That OCS did not know how to package his words. He meant to suggest that women shouldn’t be deployed in certain high-risk operations, but his delivery was disrespectful and misleading.”
Inspector General Kanja echoed these sentiments, reiterating the Service’s inclusive hiring policy.
“The NPS is gender sensitive. We will continue to consider both men and women equally in recruitment and deployment. Women are needed in the Service,” he said.
The incident has reignited conversations around gender sensitivity and professionalism in law enforcement, with calls for training and accountability to ensure officers uphold constitutional values and human dignity.
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