Holding criminals for more than 24 hours cost taxpayers

From August 2010 when the Constitution was promulgated, the courts have awarded compensation orders to suspects who feel the officers infringed on their rights. In a recent case, a judge ruled that a robbery suspect be compensated Sh300,000 for illegal detention after the case against her could not be sustained.

AP spokesman Masoud Mwinyi said suspects should not be held for more than 24 hours and if there is a compelling reason to do so, the officer has to follow the law.