In a bold step towards police reform, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that CCTV surveillance will be made mandatory in every police station across Kenya within two years. The move comes in the wake of public outrage over the death of Albert Ojwang’, which has reignited concerns about police brutality and lack of transparency.
Highlights:
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen mandates CCTV in all police stations.
- Full nationwide implementation set for completion within two years.
- The move follows growing public pressure after the death of Albert Ojwang’.
- The government aims to improve transparency and rebuild trust in law enforcement.
- Police officers will also undergo new accountability training programs.
Main Story:
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has responded to mounting demands for police reform by announcing a sweeping plan to install CCTV surveillance systems in all police stations across the country. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve transparency and reduce instances of abuse within the force.
Murkomen revealed that the government has committed to equipping every police station with functioning CCTV cameras within the next two years. “It will now be mandatory to equip police stations with CCTV cameras to enhance transparency and accountability” he said.
The decision follows the controversial death of Albert Ojwang’, a young man whose case has become a national flashpoint. His family and community claim he was tortured while in police custody, allegations that have sparked protests, political fallout, and widespread calls for justice.
The Interior Ministry believes that live surveillance and recorded footage will act as both a deterrent to rogue officers and a safeguard for both civilians and police. The CCTV footage will also serve as vital evidence in cases involving misconduct or allegations of abuse.
In addition to the CCTV installations, Murkomen announced that the police force will undergo accountability training to align their operations with human rights standards. He emphasized that technology alone won’t fix the system but it’s a crucial step forward.
In a country where trust in law enforcement has been tested time and again, the camera might just become the citizen’s new witness, silent, but always watching.
