Ex-DIG of Police Gabow defends leadership during 2022 Bomas chaos

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Noor Gabow, spoke candidly on Friday about his role in the chaotic events of August 15, 2022, at the Bomas of Kenya during his vetting for the diplomatic post of Consul-General to Haiti.

Gabow appeared before the National Assembly's Defence Committee, where he was questioned about his leadership during the national tallying exercise at the Bomas, which became infamous for violence and unrest.

Gabow, who was in charge of security at the venue, responded to Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana's inquiry on whether he would have handled the situation differently, with the benefit of hindsight.

He acknowledged his responsibility and defended the efforts of security officers deployed to the site.

"It is true that I was in charge of Bomas and I want to tell the members that I received the Undugu Award for peace," Gabow said.

"With all the challenges, the security officers did a commendable job during the period," he added.

Gabow said that the primary role of the officers at Bomas was to ensure peace and stability, underscoring that they were working under the Election Independent and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), just like other officials at the tallying centre.

"We were working for the IEBC as employees. Whatever we did is the same principle I could even use tomorrow if I am made in charge," he explained.

Haiti mission

On the matter of police officers deployed to Haiti, Gabow clarified concerns regarding reports of Kenyan officers leaving the mission. He dismissed the rumours as misleading and urged the public to disregard such claims.

"No officer has left. They just require our support. They are doing an excellent job, they are being paid. We should not rely on social media, it can be so destructive," Gabow stated.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan asked Gabow about the strategies he would employ to ensure the welfare and safety of Kenyan personnel and citizens in Haiti amid the country's ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.

"When Haiti wrote to Kenya seeking support in peacekeeping, I went to Haiti to assess as part of a technical team. We conducted due diligence, visited their police stations, and assessed their security installations," Gabow responded.

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He highlighted the collaboration between the National Police Service (NPS) and Haitian police officers in securing key infrastructure, noting their work to secure the airport and port, and clear roadblocks.

"Working alongside Haitian police, the NPS officers deployed were able to secure the airport, and the port, and clear roadblocks. Opening a mission will enable Kenya to enhance support to the officers and eventually build trade ties with Haiti," Gabow added.

MPs Martha Wangari (Gilgil) and Abdikadir Hussein (Lagdera) had earlier raised concerns about the welfare of the officers deployed overseas.

Gabow reassured the committee that the officers' salaries were being paid and emphasized that the opening of the mission would further enhance their well-being.

"We are developing a peace fund, just like in the military. Our Central Bank will have the peace fund for the police...the money will come straight and in a short time," he stated.

Gabow also highlighted the crucial role that Kenyan police officers play in securing critical installations abroad, including airports, hospitals, State House, and police stations.

If confirmed for the Haiti position, Gabow will be based in Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, which also hosts several embassies.