Revealed: Number of police officers killed in 2023

By Peter Ochieng

Over 30 police officers have died in line of duty, in a span of a year.

According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, 37 officers died in line of duty, drawn from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Services (APS), Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). 24 were from the Kenya Police, 10 from the Administration Police, two from the Kenya Prisons and one from the DCI. They died between 22nd November 2022, and 23rd November 2023.

The number has however reduced, compared to the 2021/202 period. 54 police officers and four Prison officers were killed in the line of duty during the period.

Speaking during a commemorative service for 37 National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service fallen heroes at the National Police Service College, Embakasi 'A' Campus, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said the fallen officer’s patriotism will never be forgotten.

“The gallant officers who lost their lives while saving the lives of their fellow citizens are heroes and their patriotism will never be forgotten,” stated Kindiki.

“In recognition and honour of the fallen heroes, an endowment fund will be operationalized in this financial year (2023/2024) to provide medical cover and scholarships for families of officers who die in the line of duty.”

He said police officers who properly and lawfully use their firearm in self-defense, are assured of the government’s protection.

“Weapons assigned to security officers are specifically meant to be used to neutralize armed criminals who attack citizens and threaten their lives and property. Officers who lawfully use the firearms assigned to them to protect themselves from armed criminals who are targeting lives and property of our citizens are assured of protection by the government.”

“The investment made by the Government in modernization of equipment, including personal protection gear, enhanced air and ground mobility, and technology to combat emerging and complex crimes, will make it difficult for armed criminals to harm our officers as they carry out their duties,” added Kindiki.

Inspector General Japhet Koome, Commissioner General, Kenya Prisons Service John Warioba and Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja are among those who attended the commemoration service.