A young woman from Kericho County who once scrubbed floors for a living and later patrolled premises as a private security guard was named the Best All-Round Recruit at the 59th Administration Police Passing-Out Parade held at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi, on September 4.
Viola Cheptoo’s path to that podium was shaped by years of hardship that would have broken many people. She lost her father when she was in Class Three, leaving her mother, who is partially blind, as her sole caregiver.
After completing her secondary education at Sosiot Girls, she had no clear route forward and took up whatever work she could find.
From Menial Jobs to the National Stage
Cheptoo eventually made her way to Nairobi, where she enrolled in the National Youth Service before finding work at an interior design shop.
She later joined Technocrime Protective Service as a security officer, a role that kept her close to the world of public safety even as she held on to a deeper ambition.
She applied to the Administration Police Service and was placed at the Embakasi A Campus for training. Throughout her time there, she maintained the discipline and focus that had carried her through years of difficult circumstances.
At the passing-out ceremony, President William Ruto addressed the graduating cohort and urged them to exercise their authority in service of the public.
“As you take up this important responsibility, exercise the authority entrusted to you strictly in the service of the public. Uphold professionalism, discipline, transparency, accountability and respect for human rights in every aspect of your work,” he said.
Viola Shakes Hands with the President
Among all the recruits who graduated that day, Cheptoo stood out. She was named the Best All-Round Recruit in her cohort, an honour that earned her the distinction of shaking hands with the President of Kenya during the ceremony.
The recognition marks a remarkable turnaround for a woman whose early years offered little indication of what was to come. From the informal economy of Nairobi’s streets to standing before the head of state as the top graduate in her class, Cheptoo’s journey reflects what sustained effort and belief in oneself can produce.
Her story has resonated widely, particularly among young Kenyans who face similar obstacles, offering a reminder that difficult beginnings need not determine where a person ultimately ends up.
Nakuru-based police officer Sammy Ondimu ho also met Viola while she worked as a security officers expresd joy in her achievement.
“Congratulations, Officer Viola Cheptoo! May you serve this country with discipline, integrity, courage and humanity. From Kericho to the AP College, from a difficult childhood to becoming the best all-round recruit and shaking the President’s hand, your journey is truly inspiring. Indeed, resilience pays,” said officer Ngare.
