Africa-Press – Kenya. Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Duncan Mathenge has urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to clearly state the government’s position on the future of the Kiganjo Police Training College amid growing speculation that the institution could be relocated or downgraded.
Mathenge expressed concern over reports surrounding the relocation or downgrading of the iconic institution.
According to the MP, public statements suggesting that police training could be shifted to the Kerio Valley has raised fears in Nyeri that Kiganjo, a national institution with deep historical roots, may lose its status or be moved altogether.
“If it is necessary to establish a third police training college after Kiganjo and Embakasi, then the Cabinet Secretary must come out clearly and say so,” Mathenge said.
“If Kiganjo is being downgraded, he must state it openly so that we can engage him. If it is being elevated under a new policy in police training, or if a constituent college of Kiganjo is being opened in Baringo, we equally need clarity.”
The MP said Nyeri residents deserve a definitive explanation on the fate of what he termed a “national resource” hosted in the county.
He warned that any attempt to relocate Kiganjo without proper consultation would have serious political and economic consequences.
“At this point, I am simply appealing to Murkomen to come out in black and white and tell the country what the fate of Kiganjo Police Training College is,” Mathenge said.
While defending the institution, the MP acknowledged that Kiganjo has faced longstanding challenges with the surrounding community, particularly in Nyaribo area, where the police shooting range is located.
He said the range is too short and has, on several occasions, resulted in stray bullets landing in nearby settlements.
“Residents have complained of bullets going through walls and roofs, piercing iron sheets and sometimes even injuring livestock,” Mathenge noted.
“These incidents have been documented, even by the media, yet to date the National Police Service has never compensated the affected residents.”
He said he would support relocating the shooting range component if it helps resolve the safety concerns facing the local community.
However, Mathenge argued that this should not be confused with relocating the entire training college.
The MP proposed alternative arrangements, including continued use of training grounds in Laikipia, noting that the terrain is similar to that of Baringo and would allow officers from Kiganjo to be transported for field exercises or camp there when necessary.
Mathenge’s remarks follow comments made by Murkomen last Friday while addressing residents of Embobut in Marakwet East.
During the meeting, Murkomen announced plans to establish permanent police training grounds in the Kerio Valley.
“We are bringing a permanent training ground for police here,” Murkomen said.
“Instead of going to Kiganjo, they will be coming here.
The President has instructed me to hold barazas in Baringo, Marakwet and Pokot so that we can secure land. Next year, we will start the process.”
Mathenge insisted that relocating Kiganjo would require a major policy decision, including a cabinet paper and a formal pronouncement by Parliament.
“This is not a decision that can be made casually,” he said. “If the necessary clarifications are not made, this will be the first question I raise when Parliament resumes in February.”
