Mombasa County's Devolution and Public Works CeC Seth Odongo, has defended County Askari's popularly known as 'kanjos' following the manner in which they handle their jobs.
Odongo issued a communication on September 2, asking Mombasa residents to respect the inspectorate officers and treat them as humans, for they undergo a lot just to serve them.
"When a video went viral of a brutal attack by Council Askaris in Tanzania’s Kinondoni area, immediate angry reactions, utter disgust and condemnation was directed at the non culpable enforcement officers of Mombasa County, The Inspectorate.
My understanding was perfectly in order: First, it’s indeed true that some elements within the inspectorate have not behaved too well in the past in public domain during and outside service time as civilians.
Secondly, enforcement of the law is always not a rosy affair and unfortunately, our officers as a matter of duty have to do many of such.
Finally, and most importantly, many people do not understand what our enforcement officers do, the circumstances under which they work and the untold physical, emotional and psychological challenges they go through to secure order, to control traffic flow, to maintain security, to intervene in disasters of all kind and to complement your own security alongside the police officers deployed in Mombasa County.
They work day and night, mostly under very extreme conditions, without sleep and food, all to the peril of their own health, regrettably so without appreciation from all and sundry that often choose to highlight and magnify the failures of the inspectorate.
What many people fail to realize is that these important and valuable men and women in uniform are our very own: Sons, daughters, mothers and fathers, relatives and friends, all who in their quiet moments sincerely desire to be loved, to be understood, encouraged and even advised and corrected where they may have gone wrong from time to time.
They pay rent, school children and are perfect human beings who need to be motivated and recognized.
As I take immediate steps to mentor, build capacity and train my officers in efficient service delivery, in etiquette, courtesy, the rule of law and handling the errant with respect and humane standards, I call upon all of you to join hands with me in building the future of these gallant officers and to weed away from our midst the rotten elements who have decided not to benefit from learning and not to treat others as they would love to be treated.
The time for improved performance reinvigorated with friendlier approaches by the inspectorate is now.
I value and honour our men in uniform but attitude change for all is a matter of exigency. I leave you with pictures of service that you rarely see including distressing circumstances our officers work under.
Lets support and nurture these gallant officers."
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