NPS Flags Facebook Account Spreading False Information on Police Reshuffle

NPS Flags Facebook Account Spreading False Information on Police Reshuffle

The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a strong warning to the public over a fake Facebook account spreading false claims of a major police reshuffle.

On Saturday afternoon, NPS flagged the account, which was falsely attributed to Patrick Tito, Principal Assistant to the Deputy Inspector General. The service said the post was “fake and misleading” and urged Kenyans to treat it with contempt.

“We advise the public to disregard the false information circulating on social media, which claims to originate from Patrick Tito,” NPS stated.

How the Fake Account Operated

The rogue account used Tito’s photo to create the impression it was genuine. The widely shared post alleged that police station heads had been instructed to submit names of “excess officers” for restructuring.

According to the fake statement, the so-called reshuffle was due to complaints about personnel imbalances in various stations across the country.

The fabricated post read:

“NPS, through the office of the Deputy Inspector General, has noted with concern that a majority of stations and commands have not yet fully integrated former APS personnel.”

It went further to allege:

“There is a significant imbalance in numbers within the stations, hence the directive to submit names of former APS and KPS officers to balance staffing levels nationwide.”

NPS Moves to Contain Misinformation

NPS dismissed the claims, terming them a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and cause unnecessary alarm within the service.

The service emphasised that all official communication is issued through verified NPS channels, not personal social media accounts.

This is not the first time impostors have targeted the police leadership. In November last year, NPS flagged another Facebook account impersonating Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli.

“We wish to caution the general public against interacting with the numerous fake accounts claiming to belong to DIG Gilbert Masengeli,” NPS warned at the time.

The statement further clarified:

“DIG Gilbert Masengeli does not operate any personal social media accounts and only conducts his official duties through the NPS’s official communication platforms.”

Public Urged to Be Vigilant

The police have now urged Kenyans to verify the authenticity of any online information before sharing. They warned that criminals are using fake accounts to spread lies, manipulate public opinion, and in some cases, defraud unsuspecting people.

With the rapid spread of misinformation online, the NPS is calling for increased public awareness and responsibility in handling unverified content.

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NPS Flags Facebook Account Spreading False Information on Police Reshuffle