NAIROBI – Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has strongly opposed a statement made by a Nyahururu-based police officer suggesting a reduction in the number of women recruited into the National Police Service.
Asige, in a post shared on X Monday morning, rejected the OCS’s call, arguing that increasing the presence of women in the service could help reduce police brutality. “We need fewer women in the police force? Actually, we need more,” Nominated Senator Crystal Asige stated. “A simple solution to police brutality in Kenya is to increase female officers.”
Referencing findings from international research, the senator said male officers are more likely to engage in violent enforcement, including the use of lethal weapons. Nominated Senator Crystal Asige added that female officers are generally associated with de-escalation tactics and non-violent handling of tense situations.
“When more women are on the ground during tense situations or protests, we see fewer injuries, fewer deaths, and more public trust,” Nominated Senator Crystal Asige added. “Perhaps they already know this, but choose otherwise anyway.”
The National Police Service responded hours later, distancing itself from the OCS’s statement. In an official statement, the service clarified that the remarks were personal and not reflective of institutional policy.
“The National Police Service respects and upholds the constitutional provisions on gender representation, and recruitment exercises shall continue to reflect the one-third gender rule,” the statement read.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, addressing the issue at a separate event, reaffirmed that the service remains committed to gender inclusion. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that no changes are being made to the recruitment policy and commended the role of women in maintaining security across the country.
Senator Asige’s response has stirred public conversation online, with a growing number of Kenyans voicing support for more balanced gender representation in law enforcement. Many echoed the senator’s call for broader inclusion of women in security roles as a pathway to greater accountability and trust.
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