Police Boss to Walk 250km Campaigning for Accountability and Public Trust
A senior police officer based in Nyamira County has begun an ambitious 250-kilometre peace walk aimed at strengthening the relationship between the public and law enforcement, while also advocating for greater accountability within the National Police Service (NPS).
Chief Inspector of Police Ignatius Wendo, who currently serves as the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Abombo Police Station in Nyamira, is the mastermind behind the initiative.
The campaign, which he has named “Steps of Hope Beyond the Badge,” seeks to create meaningful conversations between police officers and ordinary citizens, while also addressing long-standing concerns about trust and transparency within the service.
According to OCS Wendo, the peace walk has already received full approval from the National Police Service leadership.
The journey was officially flagged off in Nyamira County, marking the beginning of a long and symbolic trek that will cut across several counties in the Nyanza and Western regions of Kenya.
During the walk, Wendo will travel entirely on foot, covering a distance of 250 kilometres. His route will take him through Kisii, Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Vihiga counties, before finally concluding at Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega County.
The final event is expected to bring together community members, leaders, and stakeholders to reflect on the impact of the initiative.
OCS Wendo explained that the campaign is guided by three key pillars. The first is civic education, where he aims to help both police officers and members of the public better understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining law and order.
The second pillar focuses on promoting accountability within the police service, while the third emphasizes building stronger, more cooperative relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
He noted that many Kenyans are not fully aware of how the police are held accountable for their actions. Through this initiative, Wendo hopes to educate citizens about the existence of oversight bodies that monitor police conduct and ensure officers are answerable for their behavior.
“The main purpose of this walk is to educate the public on the roles and responsibilities of both the police and citizens,” Wendo explained, adding that transparency is key in restoring confidence in the service.
On the issue of accountability, Wendo stressed that police officers do not operate without checks and balances. He said it is important for the public to understand that officers are subject to strict regulations and are expected to act within the law at all times.
By sharing this information openly, he believes it will help reduce mistrust and create a more informed society.
In addition to promoting accountability, the OCS is also focused on repairing the strained relationship between the police and the public. He acknowledged that trust has been eroded over time, but expressed confidence that initiatives like this can help rebuild that trust through direct engagement and honest dialogue.
At every stop along his route, Wendo plans to hold interactive forums with local residents. These sessions will focus on educating communities about the importance of community policing, how it works, and the role citizens can play in ensuring safety within their neighborhoods.
He believes that security is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between the police and the public.
The initiative also highlights the importance of the Nyumba Kumi programme, a government-backed strategy that encourages neighbors to know each other, stay alert, and work closely with local authorities to prevent crime.
Wendo emphasized that such grassroots approaches are critical in creating safer and more united communities.
Nyamira County Police Commander Elizabeth Wakuloba, who attended the launch of the walk, expressed strong support for the initiative.
She officially recognized Wendo as an ambassador of the National Police Service, praising his efforts to promote positive change within the force and the wider community.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, Wakuloba said the peace walk would provide a valuable opportunity for residents across the region to better understand how modern policing works.
She noted that Wendo’s training and experience as a police officer would play a key role in educating the public and addressing misconceptions about law enforcement.
By interacting directly with communities, she said, the initiative would help bridge the gap that often exists between officers and the people they serve.
Wakuloba further described the walk as part of a broader transformation within the National Police Service. She explained that there is a growing effort to rebuild public trust through transparency, accountability, and consistent community engagement.
According to her, this initiative signals a shift towards a more people-centered approach to policing, where officers are not only enforcers of the law but also partners in community development and safety.
As the journey continues across Nyanza and Western Kenya, many are expected to follow Wendo’s progress closely, with hopes that the initiative will inspire similar efforts across the country and contribute to a more trusting and cooperative relationship between the police and the public.
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