Embrace community policing- National Police Service spokesperson Charles Owino tells Coast locals

National Police Service spokesperson Charles Owino addressing 36 youth champions at the Royal Court Hotel in Mombasa early this week.  Photo by Pauline Kwamboka 

BY OUR REPORTER

National Police Service spokesperson Charles Owino has told Coast locals to embrace community policing as a way of enhancing security in their neighborhoods.

Addressing the media in a Mombasa hotel on Thursday during the launch of a peace ambassador task force convened by HAKI Africa the spokesperson said issues of forceful disappearance will be a thing of the past if communities embrace the initiative.

The spokesperson was responding to the question of forceful disappearance cases in the Coast region asked by one of the activists.

According to human rights defenders such cases have escalated in the recent past. 

“Rights have limits. It is the duty of the police to protect life and property. Again it is important that we all promote community policing as a way of beefing up security,” he said.

 A section of youths following through the session at Royal Court Hotel. Photo by Pauline Kwamboka 

Mr Owino wants residents to stay vigilant in their localities in order to spot any incoming stranger.

He insists that there is need for the community in the entire region to devise its own mechanisms of tightening its security apparatus provided it is within the context of the law.

“The issue of disappearance at the Coast will only be adequately addressed if communities work together as a team and smoke out any stranger,” he said.

He urged the youths to trickle down the gospel of peace to the grassroots by working closely with the police department.

He is of the view that for the country to experience tremendous growth peace should prevail.

“It is high time for our youths to change the narrative. As the NPS we are ready to work with all Kenyans including our young people to ensure that people co exisitst peacefully,” he explained.

On the allegations of police officers receiving bribes from the public Mr Owino asked the public to say no to such vice.

Haki Africa executive director Hussein Khalid asked the youth champions to act as peace ambassadors in their communities.

The director says the organization is working closely with the security apparatus to ensure that youths remain resilient from becoming radicalized.

“What I can say is that according to the youths there is a gap between the police and the public. Jointly we should ensure that we bridge the existing gap by cultivating trust,” he said.

He called on concerted efforts between different government agencies and the civil society to ensure that youths become peace champions in the communities.

Mombasa county executive in charge of Youth, Gender and Sports Munywoki Kyalo says the department is investing in youths to create investment opportunities.

According to him the move is geared at curbing radicalization among the youths.

“We are committed as a county government to ensure that youths have an access to the opportunities available,” the CEC explained. 

In a bid to sensitize the youths on available opportunities the CEC says the department will bring together youths across the county during the International Youth Day slated for August 12.

Kisauni Deputy County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto urged the youth champions to act as an agent of change in society.

“Our role is to protect life and property. We also maintain law and order. Without peace the city’s social economic and political fabric is affected,” the DCC said.

He reiterated the government commitment to protecting Kenyans from all walks of life within the county.

The conference convened by HAKI Africa brought together a total of 36 peace champions ambassadors  hailing from the six sub counties.

They included: 12 assistant’s commissioners, 12 ward administrators and 12 youth leaders.