I’d not join the police if given another chance, officer tells vetting panel

An Eldoret-based traffic officer on Tuesday shocked a vetting panel when he declared that if he had another chance to choose a profession, he would not want to be police officer.

Constable Denis Moss Kirui said if he were 18 years old again, he would choose a different career path.

When Commissioner Mary Owuor, who was chairing the panel, asked him to explain his sentiments, the officer said he had encountered a lot of challenges in the police service.

He pointed out that frequent transfers to different parts of the country had harmed his children's education.

“I have children who are in school and the many transfers affect their education as I have to keep moving,” he said.

However, Commissioner Owuor reminded the officer that all professions have their own challenges and employees have to adjust their attitudes.

“Anything in the world can be a challenge, including taking a glass of water. It could choke you as you take it,” she said.

EATING HEALTHY

Also appearing before the panel was a Narok-based traffic police officer, who stunned the commissioners when he said that eating well is the secret to being a strong and vibrant police officer.

Constable David Ndung’u Ndegwa, who has served for 33 years, said the secret to his fit figure was eating healthy, something he said many officers do not observe.

“For an officer to remain fit, it is important to avoid meat and take more vegetables, [a practice] which is not common amongst officers.

“Eating green vegetables and other light foods is important for the development of an officer’s body,” he added.

He noted that healthy eating had also helped him maintain a sharp memory.

He also said that in the course of his work, he takes every precaution to avoid hurting others with insults.