From guns to the gospel: Police officers ordained as chaplains amid mental health concerns

The officers, drawn from the Administration Police (AP), General Service Unit (GSU), National Youth Service (NYS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the regular police, will join 32 chaplains currently serving in the Central Region. They are expected to provide counselling, spiritual support and emotional care to colleagues dealing with stress, trauma and other mental health pressures linked to police work.

Senior officers acknowledged that a shortage of chaplains has left many officers without adequate psychological and spiritual support. Samuel Kobina, representing the Central Region Police Commandant, said the expanded chaplaincy programme is intended to strengthen internal support systems within the service.

Assistant Superintendent Hosea Tunayo of the General Service Unit said officers operate in high-risk and high-pressure environments that expose them to trauma and violence.

“Officers face intense situations in the line of duty. While they are trained to confront crime, they are not always equipped to deal with the emotional toll of the job,” he said, adding that more chaplains and trained counsellors are needed within the service.

Tetu OCPD Rev. Grace Thuo said police officers are often judged harshly despite facing significant professional and personal pressures.

The newly ordained chaplains graduated from accredited theological colleges with certificates in theological studies. Police leadership said chaplaincy services have contributed to improved openness and support among officers in areas where the programme is active, including a reported decline in severe mental distress cases.

Plans are underway to establish chapels in every sub-county across the Central Region to expand access to counselling and spiritual guidance for officers.