- Gathoni Wamuchomba condemns removal of 18 pregnant police recruits
- MP calls for deferment instead of expulsion from Kiganjo Police Training College
- Wamuchomba says pregnancy should not destroy young women’s careers
- Lawmaker urges Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene
- Rights groups including Kenya Women Parliamentary Association asked to support recruits
- Debate sparks wider discussion on women’s rights and fairness in security recruitment
Gathoni Wamuchomba has strongly criticised the reported expulsion of 18 female police recruits from Kiganjo Police Training College after they were found to be pregnant.
Reacting to the incident, the outspoken MP described the development as painful and unfair, arguing that the women should have been granted deferment instead of losing their training opportunities completely.
According to Wamuchomba, the recruits should be allowed to temporarily pause their training and later return after giving birth rather than being locked out of the police service altogether.
The legislator maintained that pregnancy is a natural part of life and should not be treated as misconduct deserving punishment.
She argued that the affected recruits had already earned their chance to join the police service and deserved support rather than exclusion.
Wamuchomba further noted that even school-going girls who become pregnant are often allowed to continue with their education after delivery, adding that the same understanding should apply to women pursuing careers in security services.
The MP revealed that she had formally requested authorities to issue deferment letters to the affected women so that their positions could be preserved until they are ready to resume training.
She also appealed to Kipchumba Murkomen to personally intervene and help resolve the matter.
At the same time, Wamuchomba called on rights organisations including the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), Martha Karua, and women advocacy groups to stand with the recruits.
The incident has now sparked broader national debate on gender rights, workplace fairness, and policies affecting women in disciplined forces.
Supporters of the recruits argue that institutions should adopt more flexible and humane approaches that protect women’s careers while accommodating maternity needs.
However, others maintain that disciplined services operate under strict training regulations that recruits are expected to follow during their training period.
The controversy continues to generate strong reactions online as Kenyans debate whether the affected recruits should be reinstated after maternity leave.
