Police head to EAPCCO games in Ethiopia

108 police officers will represent Kenya in the 5th edition of the East Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) Games in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. [NPS]

The National Police Service (NPS) has flagged off a team of 108 police officers to represent Kenya in the 5th edition of the East Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (EAPCCO) Games in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The games, scheduled from April 27 to May 4, 2025, bring together police officers from 14 member countries in a spirit of regional cooperation and friendly rivalry. Kenya, who came second in the 4th edition held in Rwanda in 2023, will compete in athletics, darts, boxing, handball, and shooting.

Veteran athlete and medalist Isabella Ochichi, alongside Ochichi, top runners Abel Kisang, Winfred Mbithe, William Raiyan, Damacline Nyakiruri, Isabella Ochichi and Naibei Kiplimo are among the stars to watch.

In the shooting range, eyes will be on Sanford Otundo, the champion marksman who dominated the 86th Fullbore Championship at the KDF Rifle Range in Nanyuki.

Ibrahim Jillo, AIG, Director of Interpol Kenya, is leading the Kenyan delegation, team manager  Anthony Muriithi, CP, Director of Sports Isaac Sang, CP, and Deputy Director of Sports Madam Jerop Caroline, SSP, are among the senior officers accompanying the athletes.

Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, said the delegation carries not just skill and ambition, but the hopes of a proud nation and the spirit of East African unity.

“This is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of who we are as a service, beyond the call of duty,” said Kanja in his speech read on his behalf by his Principal Assistant, Mathew Kutoh.

“The EAPCCO Games allow us to showcase the incredible talent and discipline within our ranks. We are proud of this team and fully support them.”

 He lauded the EAPCCO Games as a platform for officers from different nations to interact in a friendly, competitive manner, promoting sportsmanship and goodwill.

“We assure you of the full support of the NPS. Take the event as an opportunity to celebrate the diverse talent within the National Police Service and among participating Police teams,” he said.

Muriithi said the team is in full spirit, promising good results.

“Our team is well-prepared. This is a proud moment for the entire Service. The athletes are not just going to compete—they’re ambassadors of unity and professionalism,” noted Muriithi.

Senior NPS commanders present at the flag-off ceremony included Director of Training and Research, Mr. Philip Opiyo, AIG Director of Planning, Mr. Richard Lesasuiyan, AIG Director of Reforms, Mr. John Kamau, AIG Director of ICT, Mr. Samuel Mwilu and Director of Corporate Communication, Mr. Muchiri Nyaga.