DNK International By Kennedy Epalat,Malaba.
Teso North Police Commander Charles Chepkonga has urged police officers to shun corruption and uphold high standards of integrity to win and maintain public trust.
Chepkonga was speaking at Malaba Police Station canteen during a farewell party for Inspector Stephen Lokitok, the outgoing Officer in charge of Crime, who has been transferred to Baringo County to serve as Deputy OCS at Mogotio Police Station.
Chepkonga praised Lokitok for his exemplary leadership, discipline, humility and adherence to the police code of conduct, describing him as a God fearing officer with a unique ability to resolve problems brought before him.
He urged other officers to emulate his conduct.
Teso South Police Commander Elizabeth Kigai echoed the sentiments, saying officers who perform well should be recognized and appreciated while they are still alive.
In his farewell remarks, Inspector Lokitok urged police officers to maintain cordial relations with members of the public, saying the relationship should be symbiotic.
He reminded them that their cardinal duty is to protect people and property and assist members of the public whenever they seek help.
Lokitok also advised officers to lead simple social lifestyles and avoid using police uniforms to intimidate the public.
He thanked Malaba residents for their cooperation in helping police address insecurity and crime urging them to maintain the partnership.
Malaba OCS Chief Inspector Charles Juma said the farewell gesture by the business community demonstrated their appreciation of Lokitok’s service
He said members of the public frequently contacted Lokitok whenever they needed assistance because he treated their concerns as a personal responsibility.
Teso North Sub County Probation Officer Godwin Nyongesa Munialo praised Lokitok’s cooperation with the Judiciary and Probation Office.
He said reports referred to the Probation Office by courts were effectively handled through the OCP Crime, adding that Lokitok had also represented the National Police Service effectively in the Court Users’ Committee.
Teso North Traffic Base Commander Chief Inspector Michael Were praised their working relationship and expressed optimism that Lokitok’s exemplary service and commitment would earn him further promotion.
Religious leaders John Adung’o and Sammy Mwaniki of AIC credited Lokitok with contributing to security in Malaba since joining the area in November 2020, including responding promptly to distress calls.
Businessmen Samuel Kinyanjui, popularly known as Gidi, and Stephen Muigai praised his efforts in securing Malaba.
Nyumba Kumi Chairman Mark Wesonga credited Lokitok with restoring public trust, helping curb illicit drugs and alcohol and dismantling a criminal gang that terrorized residents at night.
Muigai, who has operated a business near the police station for nearly five decades, said improved police-public relations had contributed to reduced crime.
Pastor Leonard Barasa presented Lokitok with a Bible as a farewell gift.
[Daily News Kenya-International@September 28,2026]
