Uniformed Officers in Eastern Region Hold Thanksgiving Service

Embu, Sunday, July 2, 2023

KNA by Samuel Waititu

Hundreds of uniformed and disciplined services officers and their families from Middle Eastern Region on Saturday held their annual thanksgiving service at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Embu Town.

The joint service comprising officers from Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Meru Counties in the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service and National Youth Service was presided over by Embu Catholic Diocese Bishop Paul Kariuki.

The colorful ceremony themed " Do not fear for I am with you" extracted from Isaiah 41:10 in the Bible was preceded by procession walk from Eastern Regional Headquarters offices.

Bishop Kariuki in his sermon encouraged the officers to put God first in their undertakings as well as take good care of their families that will in turn help them manage stress and prevent burnout at work.

He said the church was partnering with the government to establish chaplaincy departments manned by trained counselors to assist law enforcement officers manage their stress levels to address rising cases of suicide and murders.

"Our officers most of the time work under difficult circumstances that may occasion buildup of stress leading to acts of aggression and violence if not addressed," he said.

The officers also donated foodstuff to be distributed to the needy in the community.

Embu County DCIO James Githinji said the annual services have given them a chance to get spiritual nourishment as well as promote oneness in the service. He said they also use the occasion to give back to the community through food donations that go to the needy in the society.

Director Wildlife Security Nicholas Muriithi said the events which are ongoing in various parts of the country will finally culminate in National Thanksgiving Service to be held in Nairobi in November.

The DCI that has organized the event for the last two years handed over the mantle to KWS who will lead for the next two years.

Courtesy ; K. N. A