Opposition leader Eugene Wamalwa has demanded answers over the procurement of Kenya’s newly unveiled police uniforms, questioning the company awarded the contract and the process used to select it. He claimed the deal was worth nearly Ksh3 billion.
Wamalwa raised the concerns on Friday, August 28, during a grassroots public engagement tour in Emali Township, Makueni County, hosted by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. He called for transparency regarding the procurement process.
The Democratic Action Party-Kenya leader questioned whether replacing police uniforms should be prioritised while officers continue facing challenges affecting their welfare. He argued that better housing, salaries and improved working conditions would have greater impact.
Wamalwa specifically questioned whether officers considered uniforms their biggest concern compared with housing challenges and deductions from their salaries. He argued that spending billions on new attire would not directly address the difficulties affecting police officers.
His remarks came shortly after President William Ruto inspected and officially unveiled the new police uniform during a passing-out parade for recruits at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, on Friday.
The government had announced plans to replace the existing police attire earlier in the week, triggering public debate over the cost and necessity of the changes. The alleged Ksh3 billion procurement has now intensified scrutiny.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the new uniform, saying its introduction followed recommendations made by the National Taskforce on Police Reforms. He added that police officers participated in selecting the design through a public consultation process.
Murkomen cautioned against portraying police reforms as merely a change of uniform, arguing that the taskforce made broader recommendations concerning the National Police Service. He maintained that the reforms covered numerous areas beyond officers’ appearance.
The controversy comes as former Chief Justice David Maraga, who chaired the police reforms taskforce, continues demanding publication of its full report. Maraga previously gave President Ruto seven days to release the document, warning he would publish it himself if government failed.