The National Police Service has distanced itself from controversial remarks by a Nyahururu-based officer in charge of station (OCS), who proposed that the number of women recruited into the force should be reduced due to their perceived inability to handle physically demanding assignments.

Speaking during the Jukwaa La Usalama Forum in Laikipia County on July 31, Isaac Kimutus sparked public outrage after stating that women officers struggle with certain tasks, especially during chaotic events such as protests and riots.

The forum was attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other senior officials.

Kimutus claimed he had barred all female officers from engaging during recent protests, including the June 25 Gen Z demonstrations and Saba Saba.

"During the June 25 Gen Z protests, I told all female officers in Nyahururu to remain in the station, all of them. Even during Saba Saba, I told them the same thing because you find that some even throw up inside the helmet," he said.

He argued that recruitment of women should be capped at 20 per cent, citing what he described as operational difficulties when there are more women than men in certain stations.

"Right now, you find a station has 10 female officers and only five male counterparts, what will you do and work must be done?" he said. "We have a big challenge."

However, the National Police Service has distanced itself from these statements, clarifying that they represent Kimutus’ personal opinion and not the official position of the service.

NPS said female officers play a critical role in its mandate.

"Women in the Service continue to play a critical role in policing, law enforcement, and professional service delivery across the Republic and beyond," read a statement

"Notably, a significant number of women officers are serving internationally-an achievement attained through merit, dedication, and professional competence, not chance."

Interior CS Murkomen, while addressing the forum, firmly reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender inclusion as outlined in the Constitution.

"You cannot say we cannot hire women. We have a constitutional responsibility to pick 30 per cent. We are only at 14 per cent and still struggling to get to 30 per cent," he said.

Murkomen added that ongoing police reforms must continue to uphold gender representation and diversity, stressing that there is still a long way to go in achieving the required gender balance.