‘We will not allow homosexuality’- Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa

 Mombasa County Commissioner Nelson Marwa 

Mombasa County Commissioner,  Nelson Marwa talks tough, almost like the late John Michuki, and is no stranger to controversy. He spoke to ISHAQ JUMBE about his safety, war against drugs, radicalisation, witchcraft, corruption in the police and his upbringing in a strict Christian family

Some people describe you as the last District Commissioner standing. Is this true?

(Laughs). There are others serving in the same position as I am. These are my colleagues whom I greatly respect, because they are the ones who mentored me to be the professional administrator I am today and will always strive to be. I believe that the media is an integral partner in marshalling the country towards a progressive course. With their help, I have been able to pre-empt criminal activities and save lives. This has made it possible to contribute towards our president’s efforts to address social challenges facing Kenya, so that we can have a better country.

I am a friend of the media, and maybe that is why it seems as though I am vocal. I trust in God who is my guide in the fulfilment of my mandate. I also get a lot of support from my superiors, the county government, as well as my team. We have a moral obligation to do right things to the best of our ability.

You must be a tough dad. Are your children afraid of you?

My family helps me unwind and relax after a hard day’s work. The development of children requires parental involvement and I do my best to be fully involved in their lives. I try to be there for them whenever they need me and always look forward to our time together as a family, like during meal times.

You publicly told off the police over corruption and even clashed with police bosses in the county. Isn’t that like washing your dirty linen in public? Insisting on professionalism and upholding high standards cannot be described as washing dirty linen in public. Most police officers are doing a fantastic job, but there are a few who engage in corruption and even collude with criminals, besides running protection rackets. We will not allow a few rotten eggs to give the police a bad name.

We may at times have issues with a few misguided individuals, but we deal with them in accordance with the law. We may differ in principle, but that should not be misconstrued as clashing.

Who is killing top cops in Mombasa? It is unfortunate that officers are losing their in the line of duty, not only in Mombasa, but the country as a whole. But we are on top of things and will ensure that they have adequate protection. We are dealing with all manner of criminals, from Al-Shabaab sympathisers, to witchcraft, petty criminals, and drug peddlers. We have to profile these crimes and their perpetrators to ensure security.

Don’t you fear for your life given your open stance against radicalisation and drug trade in Mombasa?

I don’t consider that as a hazard, instead, I consider myself a patriot and I am willing to pay the ultimate price for my country. Change is often costly and I will not be deserving to hold this office if I allow things to degenerate under my watch. Others have sacrificed before me and many others will give their all for the country. Someone has to stand up against drugs and radicalisation. The war is far from over and any achievement is a victory that motivates us to do more.

Did being a dining hall prefect in school influence your career choice?

I was a prefect throughout my schooling career - from primary, to college during which I held various leadership positions. I suppose I was meant to always champion harmony.

What is your position on gay marriages? Our laws do not allow homosexuality. Even the Mombasa County culture that is steeped in Islamic, Christian and traditional values takes a very firm stand against it. My father was a strict SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) minister and my upbringing obviously cannot condone such acts.

How can we end corruption in the police? The government has made a lot of effort to improve the terms and conditions of service to enable our officers lead a better and dignified life. Following that up with the reforms envisioned in the new Constitution and the vetting of senior police officers, we are confident this effort will make the service more effective, attractive and less prone to corruption.

Previously, the DC (District Commissioner) had command of the Administration Police. Why do these officers now kill themselves and others over women or because of rage? Probably there are disgruntled elements like in any other profession. I know of a few isolated cases which are being handled professionally.

There could also be cases of depression as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. But we are dealing with substance abuse within police just as we are implementing the directive to end the brewing, distribution, selling and consumption of second-generation alcohol. We are cracking down on mnazi (palm wine), which also requires regulation. We are saving the lives of many Kenyans, police officers included.

What is the best book you’ve ever read? As a young man, I was captivated by the James Hadley Chase series, as well as many others. I enjoy mysteries and thrillers and it would be incorrect to single out one book as the best.