Police reforms more than raising pay

What would be needed to introduce a real sense of Utumishi Kwa Wote – more so given that the root cause of the hostile-aggressive behaviour is usually ‘Money From All’?

We know that in the police, as everywhere else in the public service, there are very good people at all levels heroically battling to do their very best – and often succeeding – under impossibly trying circumstances.

Genuinely struggling

We see leaders genuinely struggling to push back corruption and nepotism and tribalism and all the other pernicious –isms that hold back organisations from fulfilling their mandate with honour.

And we see many others lower down, whose personal values defy those of the prevailing toxic environments in which they operate, who don’t allow a terribly low standard of living to distract them from performing their duties as they should.

Our challenge is to strengthen and support the good people.

To recognise and promote them, so they can build and be part of strong institutions that operate with integrity.

And to make as much noise as possible about the need for empowered, positive leaders who genuinely and skilfully promote their organisation’s vision and mission, and live by healthy values… thereby acting as positive role models for their weaker brothers and sisters.

All this went through my mind as I headed back onto the gridlocked highway, among a vast convoy of great lumbering trucks and countless wild matatus.

Plenty of time in which to reflect on our boys in blue, and the awfully difficult challenge their bosses face.

meldon@symphony.co.ke