By Cyrus Ombati
Nairobi, Kenya: Candidates seeking to be Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) termed as outdated, the training model used for detectives at the department and asked for its urgent review.
The candidates on Wednesday said the model concentrates on physical evidence leaving out the forensic and electronic ones, which are now crucial.
Head of senior police training college in Loresho Patrick Obimo told the National Police Service Commission that CID is performing poorly because of among others its model of training.
“I will recommend for a full review of the training curriculum that we currently use that in my view, is old and outdated,” said Obimo.
He also recommended for an audit of the detectives’ skills for fresh placement and redeployment.
Obimo said most information related technology crimes are usually referred to CID headquarters for analysis and investigations because most divisional officers are unable to handle them.
Another candidate, Tom Omani who is the head of personnel at CID headquarters said cyber crime is the contemporary and most common crime that is committed in the society.
He recommended that all officers be trained on cyber crime, forensic and technology as a way of catching up with the global crimes at large.
“Physical evidence is no longer important to investigations and we must change the way we handle our operations in future because we need skilled manpower that can handle information technology,” said Omani.
He said there is need for review of ways of recruiting personnel into the unit and the work plan at large.
Omani said there is need to merge Flying Squad and Special Crimes Prevention Unit crack squads for better delivery of services to Kenyans.
Deputy Director of police reforms King’ori Mwangi said lack of a functional forensic laboratory for the CID has been a major hindrance for better delivery of services.
“In this era, we cannot fight crime effectively without such a laboratory. I will push for the installation of the laboratory if I am appointed the DCI,” said Mwangi.
Interviews for the candidates will end on Friday with former head of anti-terrorism unit Mathew Kabetu, deputy commissioner of police Francis Okonya and CID director Ndegwa Muhoro appearing.
DCI is a crucial post that should be represented at the commission together with the Inspector General and two deputies to be able to articulate their affairs.
The successful nominees will be known by Monday.
The commission is conducting interviews on 12 candidates who applied to be appointed the first director of CID under the new constitution.
Three names will be sent to the president and Prime Minister for appointment of one.
The DCI will be semi-autonomous and will be one of the most powerful office holders.
It is the first time that Kenya conducts open recruitment of police bosses as stipulated in the constitution and other laws.
