The National Police Service (NPS) has addressed public concerns following the circulation of a police duty roster on social media. The roster, which contained the names and contact information of officers from a Nairobi police station, sparked claims that it was linked to operations targeting protestors during recent demonstrations.
In a statement on Tuesday, Dr. Resila Onyango, speaking on behalf of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, dismissed the allegations as baseless. She clarified that the document was part of routine administrative processes unrelated to any protest activity.
Dr. Onyango explained that duty rosters are a standard feature of police operations, governed by Chapter 59, Paragraph 12 of the National Police Service Standing Orders. “Duty rosters are maintained at all sub-counties, stations, posts, outposts, and traffic offices across the country for planning and assigning responsibilities over a given period,” she stated.
The primary purpose of these rosters, she noted, is to enhance accountability and coordination within the Service. “They serve as a framework for documentation and operational processes, ensuring officers can efficiently coordinate and seek assistance when necessary,” she said.
The circulating social media post accompanying the roster falsely implied that the document was part of a plan to arrest protestors. Dr. Onyango strongly refuted these claims, emphasizing the misinformation’s potential to incite public unrest.
“The said duty roster had absolutely nothing to do with any task related to demonstrations,” she affirmed, urging the public to exercise caution when sharing unverified information.
She reiterated NPS’s commitment to professionalism, assuring Kenyans of the Service’s dedication to maintaining safety and security across the nation.
As misinformation continues to proliferate on social media, the NPS urged citizens to verify the authenticity of claims before dissemination to prevent unnecessary alarm.
Dr. Onyango’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of factual reporting and responsible information sharing in promoting public trust and national cohesion.
