Our verdict on the new police uniforms is that the only difference they have with Papa Shirandula’s uniform is the colour. In fact, Papa Shirandula’s is better because it is not a shouting shade of blue and fits the actor in accordance with his burly size.

When President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled the new police uniforms yesterday, he probably would have expected a better reception but that has not been the case.

Kenyans across the board have agreed that the all-blue uniform is an eyesore, oldfashioned, and an embarrassment to Kenya, especially when set side by side next to our Rwandese counterparts.

The royal blue uniforms are part of the new raft of reforms in the police force that have seen the Administration Police merge with Kenya Police Service to form the General Duty Police.

The president made it clear that the reforms, ranging from the changes in structure and command, rebranding of colleges, and the introduction of housing allowances for junior officers, are meant to make the police force more efficient.

According to Uhuru, “the uniform will enhance better visibility for the officers”. The reforms are also apparently aimed at making the police a “service that is respected” rather than “a force that is feared”.

Well, we can immediately rule out respect out of that equation judging by the negative reactions from Kenyans. In fact, we have only been able to spot only one person who hailed the uniform – former Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale.

“Congratulations President Uhuru Kenyatta and IG Boinett for this new Kenya Police uniform. It is cool. Hope the officers will wear it with a new attitude in law enforcement,” he tweeted.

We have sampled some of the reactions below: