Expectant officer who quells riots

Police Constable Agatha Wairimu (centre) with Ms Millicent Omanga (right) during a baby shower she organised for the policewoman at Pangani Police Station. PHOTO | ANTHONY OMUYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Ms Wairimu, who is expecting her first child, said she had been doing her best to perform the duties that she could handle.
  • On Tuesday, Ms Millicent Omanga, organised a surprise baby shower for Ms Wairimu at the station.
  • Ms Omanga urged women to appreciate the work done by fellow women, especially those in the security field.

When some youths attempted to force their way into Pangani Police Station, Nairobi, where politicians arrested over hate speech had been detained, police officers armed themselves with teargas ready to repulse them.

The regular police were reinforced by their Administration Police colleagues in riot gear. Amid the tension, the officers positioned themselves to form a human cordon at the entrance to the police station.

Among the officers was Police Constable Agatha Wairimu, 31, who is seven months pregnant.

A Daily Nation photograph of Ms Wairimu donning a luminous green maternity dress, white flat shoes and a ‘teargas necklace’, — she hung a ring of teargas canisters around her neck — went viral on social media. Many people appreciated her industry in the face of her limiting condition.

“I was on duty like any other working day and I was on standby,” said Ms Wairimu. “I have been doing light duties but, on that day, I was on standby to help my colleagues by supplying them with teargas from the armoury.”

Ms Wairimu, who is expecting her first child, said she had been doing her best to perform the duties that she could handle, adding that she was aware of her limits.

According the Police Service Standing Orders, expectant mothers are eligible for light duties such as manning enquiry desks or gender and children registry. They are also allowed to put on civilian clothes that they are comfortable in.

On Tuesday, Ms Millicent Omanga, organised a surprise baby shower for Ms Wairimu at the station.

Ms Omanga and female police officers at the station decorated one of the rooms usually used for statement taking, where Ms Wairimu was treated to song and dance and given gifts.

HELPING QUELL CHAOS

“I saw the picture on the front page of the Daily Nation and appreciated the fact that it was not easy for her to be helping to quell chaos in her condition,” said Ms Omanga. “This is just a gesture of appreciation for the women who love their job.”

Ms Omanga urged women to appreciate the work done by fellow women, especially those in the security field.

Pangani Officer Commanding Station Benjamin Kisela described PC Wairimu as a dedicated officer. The OCS expressed his best wishes for her and her baby, whom she expects to deliver in August.

Ms Wairimu graduated from the Kenya Police Training College, Kiganjo, in 2009. While serving as a police officer, she enrolled for a security-related degree course at Egerton University, graduating last year.

“I graduated in June last year with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology - Forensic Investigations option and I hope to start my Master’s next year,” she said.

The officer said she loves her job and hopes to advance her knowledge of security as she serves the nation to help reduce crime.