Nakuru County government askaris have embarked on an ambitious programme to change the notion among members of the public that the law enforcers are hostile.
Under the command of county enforcement officer Kihara Hiuhu, more than 100 officers have started visiting different churches where they call on the faithful to keep paying county levies.
The askaris are out on a mission to educate residents on the importance of the law enforcers' presence and paying taxes. The team also wants to shed the 'spoilt lot' tag which many residents associate them with.
Speaking to journalists yesterday after a church service at PCEA Rehema Church in Bahati, Kihara said the public has now learnt to respect their work. He added that the outreach programmes have also helped the county government improve its revenue collections.
"Unlike the local authorities, county askaris have become friendlier to members of the public as they never run away upon seeing them," said Kihara.
The preaching programme started two weeks ago and the officers plan to continue visiting different worshipping centres every Sunday.
Kihara also called upon the askaris to conduct their duties in a humane way and without contravening the law.
The programme comes just a few weeks after the askaris were accused of using excessive force and brutalising traders in Nakuru during the recent demolitions of stalls belonging to small-scale traders.