THE CELEBRATED GSU OFFICER WHO CALMED CHAOS IN THE HEIGHT OF 2008 POST POLL VIOLENCE

This man requires no introduction and we are so honoured to write about him. Mr. Joseph Musyoka Nthenge, OGW, CP.

If this name does not conjure past memories, we hope this article will. This man was one of positive news at the height of 2008 post-election clashes when it was all gloom. His story and images were awash in local and international media while his presence inspired hope at a time the nation was at the brink of collapse.

He indeed brought honour to the National Police Service by being a reflection of our true values. Mr. Nthenge is celebrated for singlehandedly talking down riotous youth and averted what would have been a spree of destruction and harm.

There will possibly be a monument to immortalize and celebrate this man in future; and his sacred words will be inscribed in gold.

‘Na hii Kenya tumeijenga kwa miaka mingi, kwa nini tuiharibu na siku moja (We have built Kenya over a long period of time, why should we destroy it in one day?)’ Mr. Joseph Musyoka Nthenge, 2008.

As his story is retold at the height of preparations for the August 2022 General Elections, we urge citizens to pick important lessons from the dark spell and shun any form of violence. We cannot afford to go back there! There will be a country even after elections are done.

A Post Blast Investigation graduate from the Prestigious Louisiana Police Academy in the United States of America (USA) and Border Security training in Arizona-USA, Mr Nthenge ‘s story will be

reminisced long after we have left.

Friday is just hours away. Join us to celebrate a Peace Champion, Mr. Nthenge OGW, CP.

“I want to see a Police Service where there is free interaction between the officers and civilians because once we retire, these are the people we go back to,” added the Arizona-trained Border Security expert, who is currently based in Mandera.

Nthenge also advised politicians to avoid making remarks that would polarise the country.

“God uses people differently. My action lessened the tension that used to exist between police and the civilians. I saw no need of using violence,” added Nthenge, even as he appealed to politicians to preach peace ahead of the August 9 General Election.

“We cannot afford to go back to the dark days. There will be a country even after elections are done. Let politicians not play with this country.”