Former Kabarnet Police Station Commander, Shamza Abedi, was taken by surprise after receiving information that officers from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) were looking for her.
Given that IPOA is mandated to investigate complaints against police officers, Abedi initially feared that one of her officers had been implicated in misconduct or that there was a complaint against her station.
“Instead of launching an investigation, they surprised me by presenting me with an award,” she recalled.
In a rare gesture, IPOA honoured the officer for her outstanding efforts in restoring law and order along the notorious Zombie Street, an area that had long been associated with drug trafficking, illicit alcohol, prostitution, and criminal gangs.
Presenting the award at Kabarnet Police Station, IPOA Commissioner Boniface Samati Kemboi praised Abedi for her exceptional leadership in transforming security within Kabarnet and its surrounding areas.
“Today, we have not come to investigate a police officer but to recognize one for her remarkable efforts in combating illicit alcohol, drug trafficking, and crime. We have witnessed significant positive changes resulting from her dedication,” Kemboi said.
He noted that although IPOA is widely known for investigating police misconduct, the authority also has a responsibility to recognize officers who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and exceptional service.
Before the security operation, Zombie Street had become a hotspot for excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, prostitution, and violent robberies. Many residents feared passing through the area both during the day and at night because of rampant criminal activities.
Following her transfer to Kabarnet, Abedi introduced intensive day-and-night patrols in collaboration with local residents through the community policing programme.
The police launched sustained crackdowns on illegal drinking dens and dismantled drug trafficking networks operating in the area.
Between November last year and May this year, police arrested more than 10 suspected drug traffickers and over 900 people linked to public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and related offences. All were arraigned in court.
Some of those arrested were women carrying children on their backs while allegedly engaging in illegal activities. The children were rescued and placed in care centres for their safety and protection.
Residents say the operation has significantly transformed the area. Businesses have flourished, robbery cases have declined, and families that had been torn apart by addiction are gradually reuniting.
One resident, Caren Kipng’ok, said the community has nicknamed Abedi “Suluhu” (Solution) because of the lasting impact she has had in addressing Kabarnet’s long-standing security challenges.
Receiving the award, Abedi attributed the success to the strong partnership between the police and the local community.
“I sincerely thank the residents for working closely with us through community policing. When I was transferred here, I never imagined that my work would touch so many lives. Today, Kabarnet has regained its former peace, and even some wives jokingly tell me that their husbands now return home early instead of spending their nights on Zombie Street,” she said.
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