Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed police officers across the country to arrest civilians found wearing military-style camouflage uniforms, saying the attire is reserved exclusively for members of Kenya’s disciplined services and should not be worn by unauthorized persons.
Murkomen issued the directive while addressing police officers and security officials, where he called for stricter enforcement of existing laws regulating the use of military uniforms and related attire.
The Cabinet Secretary said unauthorized use of camouflage clothing poses a security risk by making it difficult for the public to distinguish genuine security personnel from imposters and could be exploited by criminals seeking to impersonate members of the security forces.
He maintained that the directive is intended to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s security agencies and enhance public safety by ensuring military uniforms remain exclusive to authorized officers.
Murkomen noted that the government is not introducing a new policy but directing law enforcement officers to enforce existing legislation governing the possession and use of military uniforms and equipment.
Under Kenyan law, the unauthorized possession, use or sale of military uniforms and related items is prohibited. Security agencies have previously conducted operations targeting individuals found wearing military attire without authorization, as well as traders dealing in restricted uniforms and equipment.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that preserving the distinct identity of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other disciplined services is essential to preventing impersonation and maintaining public confidence in security institutions.
The directive comes amid renewed efforts by the government to strengthen public security and tighten enforcement against offences involving impersonation of security officers.
Military camouflage uniforms are primarily associated with the Kenya Defence Forces, while other security agencies, including the National Police Service, have their own officially designated uniforms. Authorities have consistently warned that unauthorized use of military attire can undermine security operations and create confusion during law enforcement activities.
Murkomen’s remarks have sparked discussion among Kenyans, particularly over the distinction between official military uniforms and commercially available camouflage-patterned clothing commonly sold in retail outlets. However, the Interior Ministry has maintained that police officers should enforce the law against individuals found wearing attire that constitutes protected military uniform.
Legal experts note that the regulation of military uniforms is intended to protect national security by preventing unauthorized persons from presenting themselves as members of the armed forces or other disciplined services.
The latest directive signals the government’s intention to intensify enforcement against unlawful use of military attire as part of broader measures aimed at enhancing public order and preserving the identity of Kenya’s security agencies.