The North Coast counties of Lamu, Tana River, and Kilifi today, 27th March 2026, held their annual joint prayers and thanksgiving service for uniformed and disciplined officers and their families at St Anthony Catholic Church in Malindi.
The event, themed “Be strong and steadfast, for the Lord your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9), brought together personnel from various security agencies across the region, including the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), National Youth Service (NYS), and Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
The service was presided over by Bishop Willybard Kitogho Lagho of the Catholic Diocese of Malindi. In his sermon, Bishop Lagho commended officers for their selfless service and dedication to duty, urging them to shun corruption at all levels, which he noted remains a major setback to national progress. He further encouraged officers to apply reason in their day-to-day duties, embrace humility, remain prayerful, trust in God, and always strive to follow His will.
Malindi Deputy County Commissioner, Ms.Irene Munyoki, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, echoed the Bishop’s sentiments by applauding officers for their daily sacrifices in the face of unpredictable dangers and uncertainties. She noted that the thanksgiving service provided an opportunity for officers to renew their commitment to service spiritually and to express gratitude to God for protection and the gift of life.
The Deputy County Commissioner also urged officers to uphold discipline, integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while treating members of the public with fairness and respect. She emphasised the importance of reflecting humanity in their actions as they continued to embrace community policing.
Also present were Bishop Rev. Dr.Reuben Katite of the ACK Diocese of Malindi; the National Chairman of the Organising Committee for Uniformed and Disciplined Service Officers, Dr.Clement Ng’oriareng, PSDCC; Director of Chaplaincy, Kenya Prisons Service, Rev. Fr J.B. Macharia; Lamu CCIO, Mr.Peter Kiboro, CP; the Head of Chaplaincy, Kenya Forest Service, Bishop Amos Ololdapash; Malindi Sub-County Police Commander, Mr.Moses Kosgei, SSP; Mr.Rodgers Gathuku, SP, from the NPS Directorate of Corporate Communications; Kilifi North Sub-County Police Commander, Mr.Stanley Tanui, ASP; SCCIO Malindi, Mr.Walter Marunga, ASP; Rev.Fr.Jeremy Mwenda (KPS); Rev. Fr.Lucas Gatero (APS); Rev. Fr. Eric Otieno (DCI); Rev. Fr. Josphat Njenga (NYS); Rev. Fr. Josphat Njogu (Kenya Prisons Service); and Rev. Mark Masai (DCI), among others.
By Anthony Solly
