Jared Ojuok: Police officer pens book on police officers' tough roles

Book Title: The Tough Cop

Author: Jared Ojuok

Reviewer: Barack Oduor

Publisher: Jared Ojuok

Year of Publication: August 2025

Pages: 208

Jared Ojuok is a decorated police officer with years of distinguished service. Yet, it is not his uniform that has earned him the most recognition, but his writing. His gift with the pen has thrust him into the literary spotlight, eclipsing the very profession that inspired much of his work.

His second book, The Tough Cop, is a gripping portrayal of law enforcement in a crime-ridden urban setting. The adrenaline-charged novel follows Chief Inspector Judy, a seasoned police officer renowned for her unflinching commitment to justice. As she navigates the treacherous underworld of crime and corruption, Judy confronts both personal and professional challenges that test her resolve and integrity.

Superbly plotted and full of surprises, Ojuok’s narrative blends suspense, action, and moral complexity, drawing readers into a world where the line between right and wrong is constantly blurred.

Described as a high-octane thriller, the book is rich with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. Its deftly woven plot takes readers across striking locales while delivering twist after twist. Through its cast of distinctive characters, Ojuok paints an uncompromising picture of the harsh realities faced by both law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

Across 27 breathless chapters, Chief Inspector Judy emerges as a beacon of resilience, breaking gender barriers and transforming East Riverside Estate from a neglected, crime-infested neighbourhood into a safer, more hopeful community.

In the opening chapter, Ojuok describes the area chillingly:

“The residents of East Riverside Estate endured the brunt of the deteriorating security situation, which hung over them like a dark, menacing death. Fear gripped the entire neighbourhood. At night, the residents were forced to stay indoors, equating darkness with terror. The idea of a safe and secure neighbourhood seemed chimerical, given the attitude of the officers at the local police station.”

Through Judy’s persistence and firm leadership, she not only restored security but also fostered accountability, gradually winning support from both allies and critics. Soon, the once-dim streets of East Riverside were filled with the light of safety and freedom. Children played without fear; residents reclaimed their peace of mind.

The tale is hair-raising, its tension carefully sustained. Judy’s decisive actions and meticulous planning reduced crime and breathed new life into the community. By Chapter Eleven, readers see in stark contrast the hellish conditions that preceded her interventions:

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“The residents of East Riverside Estate lived in a parallel universe, completely unaware of the alternative realities of decent living. Families huddled together between the mildewed walls of rat-infested hovels without electricity, engulfed in total darkness.”

Judy understood that the residents had been abandoned to live beyond the law’s protection. Her very name became synonymous with hope, driving out fear and inspiring belief in a brighter future.

Her barrier-breaking achievements led to her promotion as Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) of Riverside Sub-County, while her loyal deputy, Sergeant Bakari, took command at Riverside Police Station as Officer Commanding Station (OCS).

At a time when Kenya’s police service faces deep public mistrust, fuelled by cases of brutality and lack of accountability, Ojuok’s book offers a counter-narrative — one of resilience, empowerment, and transformation. It is a story of courage and determination prevailing against adversity.

For readers who may have found Ojuok’s debut, When the Ancient Tree Falls — a deep exploration of Luo culture, aesthetics, and cosmology — a weighty read, The Tough Cop provides a fast-paced, compelling storyline that hooks from the first page to the last.

True to his versatility, Ojuok writes as confidently about culture and emotional entanglements as he does about crime and policing. A notable feature of The Tough Cop is its glossary of police jargon and phrases, offering readers an insider’s look at the language of law enforcement — from tactical slang to the meaning behind familiar radio calls like “Roger.”