“The Tough Cop” – A New Book by Jared Ojuok Portrays the Tough Challenges of Urban Policing

Book Title: The Tough Cop

Author: Jared Ojuok

Reviewer: Barack Oduor

Publisher: Jared Ojuok

Year of Publication: August, 2025

Pages: 208

Jared Ojuok is a decorated police officer with illustrious years in the service. He is however not well known through his profession because his writing prowess is so big that it has dominated him and thus thrusted his gift of the pen to the world.

His second book, “The Tough Cop,” is a gripping and intense portrayal of law enforcement in a challenging urban setting. Set in a crime and graft plagued city, the adrenaline packed novel follows the journey of Chief Inspector Judy, a seasoned police officer known for her unyielding commitment to justice. As Chief Inspector Judy wades through the torturous underworld of crime, she is faced with personal and professional bottlenecks that test her resolve and integrity.

In the book that is superbly plotted and surprise-packed, Ojuok’s narrative skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, action, and moral ambiguity, drawing readers into a world where the line between right and wrong blurs.

The book, seen as propulsive and a train of a thrill ride employs vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. Its deft plot globetrots and en-route provides glamorous locales as well as twisty turns in suspense. A high- wire thriller with albeit a cast of distinctive characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities faced by both law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

In the twenty-seven chapters of the breathless tale that is skillfully woven, Chief Inspector Judy comes out as a beacon of resilience, overcoming gender barriers and transforming East Riverside Estate from a forsaken neighborhood into a secure and police- friendly community.

The author describes the neighborhood chillingly in the book’s first chapter, “The residents of East Riverside Estate endured the brunt of the deteriorating security situation, which hung over them like a dark, menacing death. Fear gripped the entire neighbourhood. At night, the residents were forced to stay indoors, equating darkness with terror. The idea of a safe and secure neighbourhood seemed chimerical, given the attitude of the officers at the local police station.”

Through her persistence and steadfastness, she not only tackled insecurity but also fostered a sense of accountability that garnered support from both friends and foes. To the surprise of many observers, the once dim streets of East Riverside Estate now shine with the light of safety and freedom, as children play without fear and residents enjoy a newfound peace.

The hair-raising tale is tension packed. Skillfully navigated, Chief Inspector Judy’s decisive actions and meticulous planning have not only reduced crime but have also created a vibrant community where families thrive and businesses flourish. Chapter eleven captures the hellish situation of the East Riverside Estate before Inspector Judy’s acts of valour.

“The  residents of East Riverside Estate lived in a parallel universe, completely unaware of the alternative realities of decent living.Families huddled together between the mildewed walls of rat- infested hovels without electricity, engulfed in total darkness.”

Inspector Judy was much aware that the residents of East Riverside Estate lived their lives outside the protection of the law, and that police officers rarely patrolled the neighbourhood. Her name became synonymous with hope, driving away the darkness of crime and inspiring others to believe in a brighter future.

The story bears triumph and resilience. Chief Inspector Judy’s barrier- breaking, outstanding accomplishments resulted in her elevation to the role of Sub-County Police Commander SCPC), overseeing Riverside Sub-County. Similarly, her right-hand man, Sargent Bakari, assumed leadership at the Riverside Police Station as the Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS).

At a time in reality when Kenya’s police service is grappling with trust issues following chilling cases of brutality and lack of accountability, Ojuok’s book offers hope and relief. It’s a compelling narrative of empowerment and transformation, showcasing the triumph of courage and determination in the face of adversity.

If you didn’t find cop Ojuok’s debut book, “When The Ancient Tree Falls” impressive probably because of its deep dive into indigenous culture, aesthetics and cosmology of the Luo, then “Tough Cop” is a fictional work that hooks you early with a compelling storyline and carries you all the way to the finish lie a well –pitched baseball game.

Ojuok writes as comfortably about culture as he does about emotional entanglements or, indeed, crime. There’s something interesting about Ojuok’s book; it has a glossary of police lingo and phrases. This can offer great help to readers who want to learn what police officers mean with particular phrases like “Roger.”

Note: The book is available at Nuria Bookstore and is retailing at Sh. 600.