Charles Mutuma is the new commandant of the newly established National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), making the unit fully operational following its creation in January.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration announced the appointment on Tuesday, May 6, noting that Mutuma is an experienced officer who has risen through the ranks of the Administration Police Service (APS).
“Mutuma, who has risen through the ranks within the Administration Police Service (APS), brings with him a wealth of experience and a high reputation for professionalism, attributes that earned him his most recent promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG),” the ministry said.
As commandant, Mutuma will oversee officer deployment and ensure the unit’s operations align with national security objectives. He will report to the Deputy Inspector General of APS.
Mutuma holds two Master of Arts degrees—one in Security Management and Police Studies, and another in Leadership and Security Management, both from Kenyatta University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Security Studies at the same institution.
NGAPU was launched in January by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen during the APS Senior Commanders’ Conference in Kwale County.
The unit was created under the authority of the Police Inspector General to bridge policing gaps at the grassroots level and support national government administrators, including chiefs and assistant chiefs.
“The unit comprises officers drawn from the Administration Police Service (APS) and established under the authority of the Inspector General of Police with the aim of bridging the policing gap at the community level and providing wananchi with a reassuring presence of responsive security personnel.”
Its mandate includes promoting community safety, combating illicit brews and narcotics, conducting high-risk operations, and suppressing activities by outlawed gangs. It will also handle sexual and gender-based violence, preserve evidence, and work with other agencies to enforce laws and regulations.
In addition, NGAPU will engage in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, especially in areas affected by intercommunal clashes, boundary disputes, and resource-related conflicts.
According to the ministry, the decision to staff the unit with APS officers followed public consultations in which citizens voiced a strong preference for the service.
“An overwhelming number of members of the public expressed a strong preference for APS officers, citing their approachability, efficiency in handling complaints, and less bureaucratic procedures as key reasons for trust,” the ministry said.
