Kenya honours fallen officers as state pledges full support to families
Mudavadi said the government would ensure prompt processing of insurance claims and timely disbursement of premiums to aid the families.
Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing fair compensation and support to the families of 29 officers who died in the line of duty over the past year.
Speaking at a sombre commemoration ceremony on Friday at Embakasi, Nairobi, Mudavadi emphasised that the government would ensure prompt processing of insurance claims and timely disbursement of premiums to aid the families.
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"We are gathered here to honour 29 gallant officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to make Kenya a better place for all of us," Mudavadi said during the ceremony.
He assured that families would receive fair treatment in the compensation process, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their loved ones' deaths, including accidents, work-related causes, or stress-related suicides.
Going further, Mudavadi also confirmed that the government was working on a Veterans Endowment Fund, currently under consideration in Parliament, to further enhance the welfare of officers and their families.
This initiative aims to provide long-term support in areas such as housing, medical services, and mental health counselling.
"The government encourages the leadership of police and prison services to continue using compassionate initiatives to support these families," Mudavadi stated.
As part of efforts to offer direct assistance, the Acting Interior CS disclosed that six widows and three orphans were recruited into the service in January 2023, providing them with opportunities for stability and a fresh start.
Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi lays a wreath during the commemoration ceremony for fallen National Police Service and Prisons Service officers at Embakasi on December 6, 2024. (Photo: X/Musalia Mudavadi)
In addition to the assurances regarding compensation, Mudavadi expressed gratitude to the police and prison service leadership for organising the ceremony, which served as a platform to reflect on the legacy of fallen officers.
"This platform gives us the chance to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the values they held dear," he said.
Mudavadi also took the opportunity to commend the courage of the fallen officers, whose sacrifices continue to inspire the nation.
"Their courage and dedication inspire us to continue serving our country with integrity and resilience," he added.
The CS concluded by encouraging the National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service to continue their vital work in safeguarding the nation's security.
"I encourage you to enhance collaboration with the communities you serve to build a safer, more cohesive Kenya," Mudavadi urged.
This year's memorial ceremony comes against a backdrop of mounting concerns over the remuneration of Kenyan troops deployed in Haiti as part of the UN-led multinational security mission.
On Thursday, Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja dismissed claims of unpaid salaries, asserting that remuneration had been disbursed up to October 2024.
"Our officers in Haiti have received their payment up to the end of October. Moreover, the situation in Haiti is much improved thanks to their exemplary work," Kanja said.
The Principal Secretary for Interior, Raymond Omollo stated that the responsibility for payment rested with the United Nations as per the terms of Kenya's engagement in the mission.
"The engagement of the Kenyan team operating in Haiti is well-defined with the onus falling on the UN to ensure the timely release of payments," said the PS.
