Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has criticised Kenya’s newly unveiled police uniform, describing it in harsh terms while referencing international protections against cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
In a post reacting to the new Kenya Police Service uniform, Odhiambo said the outfit goes against the Convention Against Torture (CAT).
“This uniform goes against the Convention on Torture, Cruel, Inhuman and/or Degrading Punishment or Treatment. [The CAT] Convention. Very ugly but tusongee tu mbele,” Odhiambo wrote.
Her remarks came shortly after President William Ruto unveiled the new uniform during the passing-out parade at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, on Friday, August 28.
The new design features light-blue shirts paired with dark navy trousers, alongside updated identification details and other uniform elements. More than 6,000 newly trained police constables were among the first officers to wear the outfit.
The uniform follows a 2023 public participation exercise in which police officers and members of the public gave their views on proposed designs. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the new attire was expected to boost officers’ morale and improve service delivery.
The rollout for general-duty officers is expected to begin from Monday, August 31, while officers in the Administration Police Service and General Service Unit will retain their current uniforms.
Odhiambo’s comments have added a political dimension to the public conversation surrounding the new police attire, with Kenyans expected to continue sharing their views on the design.