Iteere advises police to change tack war on crime

By Wambui Ndung’u

Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere has challenged officers to change tack when dealing with criminal gangs such as Al Shaabab.

Mr Iteere said criminals were continuously changing their way of operation, and it was important for the force to update themselves to win the war on crime.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Riffle Championships at the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo.

"I want to send a word to all criminal gangs – be they the Al Shaabab or the so-called Mombasa Republic Council. Your criminal activities shall not be tolerated and the sooner you realise this the better for you," said Iteere. 

The police chief reiterated that the force should remain vigilant until criminal gangs are dismantled.

Iteere advised police officers to work with the public and use effective public relations to control crime. He also urged the clergy, parents, and local administration to identify youth who may have left the country to join Al Shabaab.

He said this would help the police to track movement of such people, and those who may have received illegal militia training.

Iteere explained that the aim of the riffle championships was to sharpen the officers’ ability to  skillfully handle firearms.

During the event, the overall best performer Sanford Otundo was promoted from a constable to a corporal.

Otundo won a gold medal in the Faunthorpe competition and silver in the police riffle competition in July.

The seven-day event attracted 17 teams from various units in the police force, and provincial representatives.

The General Service Unit won, followed by the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, and Presidential Escort Unit.

Rift Valley Province took position five.