New equipment will boost war against crime

Head of Forensic Biology Joseph Kimani (right), Interior CS Fred Matiang'i (second right), Chief Government Chemist Ali Gakweli and Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho (left) during the launch of Genetic Analyser machine in Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

The launch of special forensic laboratory analysis machines yesterday by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is a major milestone for the country.

For a long time, the war against crime has been bogged down by lack of necessary technology. Lack of technology  has also denied many people justice.

Many crimes go unsolved because police lack laboratories and capacity to help them handle some of the complicated ones that need forensic analysis within a short period.

Many cases including murder, robbery with violence, rape, child theft and trafficking, hit-and-run road crashes, housebreaking among others, go unsolved because police lack the requisite forensic equipment to handle them. But with yesterday's unveiling of the 3,500 Series Genetic Analysers, which have already been installed in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa, the situation is bound to change drastically. The  machines, which cost Sh40 million, are some of the latest in the world market.

Coming at a time that the Government Chemist now falls under Interior ministry, the police now have no excuse for not investigating cases speedily and professionally.

Luckily, Government Chemist Ali Gakweli has given the assurance his officers will work round-the-clock to carry out forensic analysis on many samples that touch on pending courts cases. This is as it should be.

The Government should accord these officers the help they need so that they clear this backlog. This in turn will help speed up the court process and ensure justice is served quickly. As they say, justice delayed is justice denied.