- Idris Kiprop was disappointed after he was disqualified from the ongoing police recruitment exercise
- He explained his academic qualifications and posed several emotional questions regarding his struggles to get employment
- Kiprop passionately appealed to President William Ruto, explaining the sole reason he would reconsider joining the force
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Baringo: A man from Baringo Central has publicly protested after being disqualified from the ongoing police recruitment exercise for failing to meet the required height standards.
Source: Facebook
Idris Kiprop, who says he has been attempting to join the police service for the past eight years, expressed deep frustration after being turned away once again.
Why did Kiprop protest disqualification from police recruitment?
Speaking passionately, Kiprop argued that height should not be a determining factor in employment, insisting that short people are equally capable of serving the nation.
“Are you denying me a job because I am short? President William Ruto, how many people are already working who are just like me? I have been seeking this job for the past eight years. Do I not deserve employment simply because I am short?” Kiprop questioned.
He went on to question whether height or intelligence should matter more in service delivery, adding that short individuals can sometimes perform better than taller ones.
“We can even perform better than tall people because they also face certain challenges. Am I not a Kenyan? You say years have passed, yet the years are still here. Is it me who is unfit for work? You refused me work, forcing me to join the NYS. I come from a poor background. Why am I treated like this every single time?” he posed.
Is Idris Kiprop qualified to join police service?
Kiprop revealed that after being denied opportunities in the police service, he joined the National Youth Service (NYS), completed training, nation-building, and even pursued ICT studies, but still struggled to secure employment.
He appealed directly to President William Ruto, asking him to reconsider the height requirements, and even offered to serve as the president’s personal guard if given the chance.
Source: Twitter
“Mr. Ruto, if you are listening, please find me a job. I can even join the police and serve as your personal guard. If you want to exclude me, then exclude everyone in that department who is short. That is the only way I will accept it,” he stated.
His remarks sparked debate, with some sympathising with his plight while others defending the recruitment standards.
The police recruitment exercise resumed recently after a court lifted the suspension of the process, paving the way for thousands of hopeful candidates across the country to try their luck.
Why were women excluded from police recruitment?
Meanwhile, in Lamu county, several women who turned up for the exercise were not included in the recruitment process.
Recruitment panel chair Kibwana Mwatosha explained that female applicants did not have slots in the current intake but were guided and prepared for future opportunities.
He said the session was used to help them understand the requirements, identify areas for improvement, and prepare for the upcoming exercises.
Mwatosha noted that many candidates lacked knowledge of the recruitment process, stressing that early preparation would boost their chances of success in the future.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
