Ruiru MP aspirant demands audit of Sh2.8bn police uniform tender

By Lawrence Ongaro

Ruiru Constituency 2027 MP aspirant Sammy Onyango Engin has called for an immediate freeze and independent audit of the Sh2.8 billion police uniform tender, questioning the procurement process and urging the Government to prioritise police welfare.

Onyanyo, who issued a statement in Nairobi on Sunday, August 30, 2026, said the reported tender had exposed what he described as a mismatch between Government priorities and the challenges facing police officers and ordinary Kenyans.

He is eyeing the Ruiru seat on a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

His remarks follow a report by the Sunday Standard linking the tender to Nalitex Limited, a company established in 2024 to President William Ruto’s family and their business associates.

According to the report, the company’s registered address, P.O. Box 7766-00200, overlaps with businesses, auditors and properties linked to President Ruto’s family.

He said the revelations surrounding the procurement deal raised questions about transparency, accountability and the allocation of public resources.

“The Sh2.8 billion tender revelations expose a system that prioritises opaque procurement deals over human life, basic officer welfare and systemic reform,” Onyango said.

However, the National Police Service and the Inspector General have denied that Nalitex features in the procurement process, saying Bedi Investments Limited was awarded the contract.

“The denial did not sufficiently address questions surrounding possible subcontracting arrangements, fabric supply chains and the involvement of other companies in the supply process,” he said.

He called for full disclosure of the contractual arrangements to establish who ultimately benefits from the multi-billion-shilling procurement.

Welfare concerns

Onyanyo also criticised the police service for invoking recommendations of the Maraga Task Force on Police Reforms to justify the expenditure.

He said the task force recommended comprehensive reforms covering police welfare and working conditions, rather than focusing primarily on uniforms.

Ruiru Constituency 2027 MP aspirant Sammy Onyango Engin. Photo/Handout

According to Onyanyo, officers continue to face inadequate housing, with some living in cramped and dilapidated quarters or temporary iron-sheet structures.

“Insufficient funding, poor pay and inadequate psychological support had contributed to mental health challenges among police officers,” he said.

“A new uniform cannot protect an officer’s mental well-being or restore human dignity,” added.

The Ruiru MP aspirant also raised concerns about gaps in police training and equipment, arguing that officers need modern, human-rights-based training focused on de-escalation and community policing.

He linked inadequate training and support to cases of excessive use of force, police brutality and declining public trust in law enforcement agencies.

Calls for reforms

Onyango further criticised what he described as an administrative standoff between the National Police Service Commission and the Office of the Inspector General over recruitment, promotions and disciplinary matters.

He said the disputes had affected career progression and left officers in institutional uncertainty.

He proposed that funds considered non-essential for uniform procurement be redirected towards police housing, mental health services and basic operational equipment.

He also demanded full implementation of the Maraga Task Force recommendations, saying the Government should not selectively adopt reforms while ignoring broader welfare and institutional changes.

“There must be full harmonisation of the roles of the NPSC and the Inspector General’s office to restore clear career progression, merit-based promotions and constitutional accountability,” he said.

He further urged the Government to restructure police training curricula to emphasise de-escalation, community policing, human rights and access to mental healthcare.

“The welfare of the officer on the beat must supersede commercial procurement deals,” Engin said.

He said Ruiru residents and Kenyans generally deserved greater accountability, improved security and meaningful police reforms.