DP Gachagua announces 40 per cent salary hike for police officers starting July 1

Police salaries will be reviewed upwards at the start of the new financial year, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed on Tuesday.

"The report of the Presidential Task Form on Police and Prison Reforms was presented to the President, and the recommendations were accepted. From July 1, their terms will be reviewed by 40 per cent progressively in three years," said the DP.

He spoke after visiting the Officer Commanding Juja Police Station, Chief Inspector John Misoi, at Avenue Hospital in Thika, where the officer is recuperating after being wounded by arrows during the Sunday night attack.

The revelation that the task force's recommendations have been accepted is a great relief to officers across the country, who for years, have complained of being neglected in terms of personal welfare and working conditions.

Chief Inspector John Misoi was attacked during an operation targeting illicit alcohol in the Gachororo area of Juja Sub-county on Sunday night.

He sustained a wound to his right leg, where an arrow lodged in his knee, prompting immediate medical attention and surgery to remove the projectile, Kiambu Police boss Michael Muchiri confirmed earlier.

Gachagua hinted at the possibility of the suspects facing murder charges, among other serious offences.

The attack, he said, is among some of the resistance the government is facing in the operation that started about a month ago when the sale of illicit alcohol and drugs was declared a national security threat.

"We have seen that the criminals are now exercising impunity by attacking police officers. They can run but they will not hide. Already, two suspects have been arrested and arraigned. Prosecutors have been allowed to detain them for further investigations," said Gachagua.

The war against illicit brews, drugs and substance abuse will not stop until our nation is free of these vices.

Police and other officers who are at the forefront in this fight have the full Government support for successful implementation of the State's directives to deal with… pic.twitter.com/87S9vchnhM

— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) April 2, 2024

Since the operation began, a number of security officers have been attacked by ruthless brewers caught in the act in various parts of the country. Inspector Simon Mwangi Kariuki was attacked on March 13 and his firearm was stolen during a similar operation in Siaya County.

A chief in Nyamira County was also attacked during the operation last month. The same happened to two chiefs in North Rift on March 25.

"Let me say for the avoidance of doubt that President William Ruto has given us very clear instructions that the issue of drug abuse and illicit alcohol must be dealt with once and for all, and this is a battle that the government must win," he said.

He added that the attacks on officers have only strengthened the government's resolve to continue with the fight, which has no definite timeline.

"I want to assure our police officers, wherever they are, that the government will protect them and is fully behind them. I want to thank them for the good job they are doing," added Gachagua.

He also called on courts not to issue ex-parte orders that curtail the implementation of the operation across the country.

"Let them hear both sides, the petitioner and the government, before they can decide," he urged.