Retired Inspector Patrick Indimuli with Family members During his Farewell party held at Kiambu AP headquarters.
By James Wakahiu
While the National Police Service has been on the global focus, with the United Nations criticizing the recent crackdown and lethal use of force during recent demonstrators, one police officer was being celebrated in Kiambu county on his exemplary service to the communities he served in.
It was pomp and pageantry at AP Headquarters in Kiambu County as the area business community joined local administrators, pastors, community leaders, senior police officers, family and friends of Inspector Patrick Joshua Indimuli at a farewell function held as he retired from police service last week. Having joined the department in August 1987, the officer has served for 37 years.
Speakers at the fete praised not only his leadership qualities but also his guidance to fellow officers on the need and process of engaging with residents in areas he served. “Beyond his operational experience and excellence, he has also been a strong advocate of community policing,” said Kiambu county Administrative Police Commander, Ismael Ahmed.
“As a dedicated crusader for community safety, he has articulated key security concerns to the public with confidence, zeal and a clear vision. His ability to engage with local communities, listen to their concerns and engage in strategies for their protection has made him an invaluable asset in fostering trust between the police service and the public,” Ahmed said.
Inspector Indimuli has served in various regions across the country, including Mandera, Nandi, Thika West, Juja, Kikuyu, Gatanga and Kiambu. “In each of these areas, he has been a consistent pillar of strength and guidance, demonstrating exceptional leadership, resilience and a deep commitment to the safety and security of the communities he served,” the Police commander said.
Ahmed advised serving police officers to avail themselves whenever training opportunities arise for career advancements. “Inspector Indimulis’ career journey is one of continuous growth in his personal development through numerous training programs, including the Potential NCOS course, Peacekeeping and conflict management course, sergeant development course, and the subordinate to the inspector course. After each course, he soon got a promotion,” he said.
Photo/Inspector Indimuli retires at a time when retired officers Indimuli and his fellow officers / comrades.
have been telling the government and regional leaders that they have lots of experience and skills that can benefit regional communities. In 2023, the then Isiolo County Commissioner, Geoffrey Omoding, said that the retired officers should be appreciated and supported since they can mentor and train the current working force because they had acquired a wide knowledge and experience from their long service.
The Administrator made the remarks during the launch of the National Association of Retired Police of Kenya (NARPOK), Isiolo Chapter Office. “We want to see that our retired officers are heard and appreciated by the government as they need to be given the support, so that they can mentor and train the current working force, as they have acquired wide knowledge and experiences during their time in the service,” Mr. Omoding noted.
In January this year, The Board of Trustees of the National Association of Retired Police Officers in Kenya (NARPOK) paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General National Police Service Mr. Douglas Kanja at his Jogoo House office. The delegation was led by Mr. Shadrack Kiruki, a former Commissioner of Police and the current Chairman of the Trustees.
Their discussions focused on welfare of the retired officers and families of Fallen Heroes. They also deliberated on the status of the Police Veterans and Fallen Heroes Bill, 2024; access to NPS hospitals and insurance, the revision of pension schemes for retired officers, and the development of a pre- and post-retirement policy framework.
Photo/ Indimuli being assisted by his two wives to cut the retirement cake.
In Kenya, retired police officers’ welfare is addressed through various initiatives, including the Kenya Association of Retired Officers (KARO), which advocates for their rights and entitlements. Additionally, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) plays a role in their well-being by developing welfare policies and providing services like counselling.
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, police officers about to retire police officers will soon have the option to be posted to the counties of their choice, allowing them to reconnect with their communities before retirement.
Murkomen said the move aims to improve officers’ welfare and help them transition smoothly into retirement by familiarizing them with their local communities. “After serving for decades, we will post police officers to counties they wish to retire in so they can begin familiarizing themselves with the villagers or communities before they retire,” Murkomen said during a tour of Taveta county in April this year.
Photo/Major Issac Mutuku of Thika Salvation Army church delivering Sermon.
Using a hypothetical example, he said, “If a police officer from Turkana is first deployed to Taita Taveta, where he marries, and is later transferred to Kisumu as he nears retirement, he will either return to his home county or choose to retire in Taita Taveta. If he chooses Taita Taveta, we will allow it so he can familiarize himself with the community in advance,” he said.
During the retirement occasion, commissioner of police, Dorothy Migarusha commended Inspector Indimuli for earning his rank through dedication, discipline and hard work. He urged the retiree to now understand he was no longer a police officer but a common mwananchi. “When you go home remember not to start issuing orders the way you used to do while in the police service. Know that now you have to adjust to also listening to others,” said Migarusha who had served with Indimuli in Juja Sub- County where she was the Sub-county police commander.
Photo/Commissioner of Police Dorothy Migarusha
Lydia Macharia who is police commander at Kenyatta University said Indimuli loved his job.
Family members led by Indimuli’s two wives Ann and Margaret said Indimuli was able to balance his work and family affairs. They said their family head was a staunch Christian.
A close friend to Indimuli, James Wakahiu described the officer as a very hard working and no nonsense man while discharging his duty as well as maintaining good relationship with the citizenry.
Fair well service was conducted by Major Isaac Mutuku of Thika Salvation Army Citadel where Indimuli is the chairman of the church welfare. Indimuli is also the chairman of Harambee Sacco, Thika branch of Kiambu County.
Among those who attended included veteran journalist James Wakahiu.
Among those who attended the occasion were workmates, friends, relatives and colleagues of inspector Indimuli. The late Stephen Waweru (Juste ) was represented by family members led by Josephine Waweru, Ian Waweru and Susan Gathoni. The Witeithie fraternity was represented by Joseph Muturi (Jose) and Edward Murigi.
