Matiang'i alleges corruption in Kenya's new police uniform deal

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has criticized the Kenyan government's new police uniform procurement as a scheme to enrich private individuals, alleging corruption in the Sh2.5 billion tender awarded to a private company. Matiang'i claimed top officials benefited from the deal, arguing that state institutions like the National Youth Service could have produced the uniforms more cheaply. He cited inflated prices, including police boots costing Sh13,900 per pair versus Sh4,000 locally, and defended his 2018 uniform change as resistant to cartels. National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga defended the process, stating Bedi Investments Limited was lawfully awarded the contract. He said the uniform change followed the Maraga Task Force recommendations and involved four Kenyan textile manufacturers under the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative.