Dancing Cop, Babysitter, Other Police Officers Who Made News In 2023: "Utumishi Kwa Wote"

• For many years, the police service has struggled with shedding off a negative perception the public has of its officers
• In 2023, that view started turning positive after several officers took the initiative to showcase their humane side
• Such acts included babysitting for students sitting national exams, helping stranded children, and offering free safety training

The year 2023 will go down in history as one that saw members of the police service make news for the right reasons.

That is not to say there were no negative happenings, but a more significant chunk of news from the disciplined forces was positive.

TUKO.co.ke looks at some of the police officers who went viral in 2023 for touching the lives of the community and keeping the Utumishi kwa Wote mantra alive.

Denis Kiprono Tonui

Police officer Denis Kiprono Tonui from Mazeras got tired of being called to accident scenes involving boda boda riders.

For that reason, he started conducting sensitisation talks with operators to teach them road safety.

His sessions covered topics like the importance of insurance coverage, wearing protective gear, and road discipline.

"Most of them only observe rules when one dies in an accident, but then they forget so fast," he told TUKO.co.ke.

Juliana

In November 2023, social media users praised a female police officer who went beyond her call of duty to help a distressed teen mother.

The KCSE candidate from Rae Girls in Kisumu county went into labour during her final exams and gave birth to a beautiful baby.

When Officer Juliana saw that the young mother needed to sit for her paper, she offered to babysit to allow her time and space.

Her small act of kindness and empathy did not go unnoticed, as a patient admitted to the same hospital took photos and shared them online.

Abdi Galgalo

Traffic Police Officer PC Abdi Galgalo of Kitui Police Station was hailed for his touching gesture towards a little boy.

The thoughtful cop saw the tired boy from a distance, carrying a baby on his back and helped him with fare to reach home.

Galgalo was the same officer who once stood in the middle of a flooded road under stormy weather, directing motorists so they would not veer off.

A Twitter post noted Galgalo had been a dedicated police officer who served wholeheartedly and was always diligent at his work.

Sammy Ondimu Ngare

Sammy Ondimu Ngare is a famous police officer who uses his position to help needy community members.

In one of his many projects, he completed the construction of a decent house for Kefa Manyoni Moembu, who had been enduring hardships for years.

Kefa, a resident of Aunga village in Sengera ward, Kisii County, had been forced to sleep in a small hole in his dilapidated house due to the absence of a proper bed.

Although he owned a piece of land, the 60-year-old man couldn't improve his living conditions due to his visual impairment.

Benjamin Mulei Muswii

Benjamin Mulei Muswii extended his service to a young mother who showed up for her KCSE exams with her child.

The 28-year-old cop stationed at Njiru Police Post offered a lending hand to the candidate, who gave him KSh 100, but he declined.

Mulei, an Economics graduate, says he joined the police service after failing to secure a job in his initial career and resorting to riding a boda boda.

He believes his brains, skills and experience are needed at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Dancing Cop

In September 2023, Kenyans online were impressed by a robust police officer who broke free from their serious world to showcase his dancing skills.

The heavily built officer danced with wanton disregard for onlookers when Diamond's "Bora Ni Enjoy" song began playing.

He was captured on video swaying his hips to the music, bringing amusement to those who witnessed it.

Most applauded the policeman for allowing himself to forget the rigours of their job and prove to Kenyans that they, too, have a soft side.

Major_254

The police officer turned TikToker Major_254 went viral in July for his charm, charisma, and handsome looks.

The 30-year-old university graduate, whose real name is Peter Ledama, revealed that he is a Maasai from Narok and is happily married with one child.

He disclosed that since he became famous on TikTok, his DMs were full of messages from men, but he told them to keep off.

"They send texts asking to be with me. Sometimes I check their profile, and I am surprised that some are family men. I think of exposing them, but later, I realise it may ruin their reputation," he said.

With the officers above leading the way in bridging the gap between civilians and the police service, it is hoped that the rest will emulate.