Kimaiyo promises action on runaway crime, outlawed gangs

The police boss also told officers to change their attitude and work closely with the public in addressing various security challenges

By PATRICK BEJA

MOMBASA, KENYA: A tough talking Inspector General (IG) of police David Kimaiyo has unveiled his strategy to deal with runaway crime, including organised gangs.

Mr Kimaiyo said he will adopt a partnership approach in addressing security challenges and ensure police officers work without being intimidated.

The IG also said his tactic will be action-oriented and not defined by issuing ultimatums.

Civilians must surrender illegal guns for destruction through a countrywide disarmament exercise to boost security, he said.

Kimaiyo was briefing the Press at the Coast PC’s boardroom in Mombasa before joining a security meeting aimed at combating crime in the region.

He said the meeting will address ethnic clashes in Tana Delta and organised criminal groups like the separatist Mombasa Republican Council (MRC) as well as ways of tackling drug and human trafficking and terrorism.

Co-operate with police

Similar security meetings will be held in other provinces, the IG said.

He also pledged police action to deal with crime in Baragoi in Rift Valley and Eastleigh in Nairobi among other spots in the country to restore security and asked the public to co-operate with police.

“Not one of our police officers on duty should be victimised. Our officers must double their efforts in their work,” Kimaiyo said.

Kimaiyo appeared to be reacting to pressure mounted on police officers following accusations of being trigger-happy.

The claims were raised by members of the civil society after 2007 post-election chaos and in the fight against criminal gangs such as the Mungiki.

Yesterday, Kimaiyo, however, told police officers to change their attitude and work closely with the public in addressing security challenges.

“Let us change our attitude. We also expect the public to change their attitude and culture towards the police,” he said.

Kimaiyo was accompanied by Coast PC Samuel Kilele, Director of CID Ndegwa Muhoro, AP Commandant Samuel Arachi and Coast PPO Aggrey Adoli, among other senior police officers.

Full force

He told the public to “walk together” with the police to achieve security, peace and economic growth.

He asked political aspirants and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid incitement or face the full force of the law.

“We will not rest until we have peace, free and fair election,” Kimaiyo said.

The IG explained that the Mombasa meeting was to chat the way forward in the management of security issues ahead of General Election.

He said the mission started with a tour of Tana Delta with the Minister for Internal Security Katoo ole Metito and PS Mutea Iringo last Wednesday to get information on recent ethnic attacks at Kipao village.

Received information

According to the IG, the warring Orma and Pokomo communities gave the mission good reception and showed willingness to embrace peace. He said five additional suspects in the Kipao attack were arrested after residents volunteered information during the tour. Before that, 58 suspects had been arrested and charged in connection with the attacks.

“We arrested additional five suspects after we received information during our tour. Both communities accorded us good reception,” Kimaiyo said.

The IG issued a seven-day ultimatum to criminal gangs in the Tana Delta to surrender nine guns stolen after the killing of police officers at Kilelengwani village in September.

He ordered those holding illicit guns to return them to the police, assistant chiefs, chiefs and village elders. He said police would embark on a major security operation to recover all Government firearms.

“Before the end of seven days, the nine firearms must be surrendered back to the Government. The public should also surrender illicit firearms,” Kimaiyo ordered.

He denied claims that some villages in Tana Delta are no-go areas for certain leaders following tribal animosity, saying the communities were not hostile.

Spare anybody

He said Garsen MP Danson Mungatana was not threatened by certain villagers, but did not accompany him and the Internal Security minister because he was travelling outside the country.

“The MP informed me he could not accompany us because he was travelling outside the country. Police have not received reports that certain leaders could not visit some areas in Tana Delta,” Kimaiyo said.

On the MRC, Kimaiyo warned that police would not spare anybody including financiers and those inciting the group. MRC members have called for boycott of the General Election.