Police officers attending to children allowed not to wear uniform during work

By Nyaboga Kiage

Police officers stationed at the gender and child protection desks have been exempted from wearing police uniform while on duty.

In a Monday, December 7 circular by Phidiliah Kisinyo -- crafted on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police -- to the law enforcement officers, cops can, however, wear “decent civilian attire”.

According to Kisinyo children who are victims of sexual and gender-based violence “usually fear police officers dressed in uniform”.

“The Director of Community Policing, Gender and Child protection have learnt that children who are victims of Sexual and gender based violence fear police officers dressed in uniform,” said Kisinyo in the circular.

She further argued that due to the phobia the children have against police officers, communication between them (victims) and the law enforcement officers can be affected.