140 detectives moved in reshuffle

By Cyrus Ombati

More than 140 detectives from Flying Squad and Special Crimes Prevention Unit (SCPU) have been moved in changes effected at the weekend.

A group of fresh trainees have joined the units in a bid to bolster operations in various parts of the country.

The changes came at a time when carjacking incidents have reportedly increased with police making efforts to address the situation.

Insiders said more than 150 new officers have joined the units after undergoing a paramilitary training at the Magadi GSU training centre.

"They are ready for the assignments and have already been posted to various operations areas. Those who were there have been recalled," said a senior officer who did not want to be named.

Those who had been serving at the units have been posted to various divisional headquarters where they will serve as investigators.

In particular, they will beef up new divisions that have been created recently ahead of the creation of county headquarters.

Head of Flying Squad Munga Nyale confirmed the reshuffle terming it normal changes. The SCPU boss John Koki said the changes were aimed at bolstering their operations and bring in fresh blood.

Mr Nyale said the transfers affected officers at various stations including Nairobi, Nyeri, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisii, Eldoret and Kisumu.

"We have new officers to replace those moved. This is a continuous exercise that is aimed at ensuring the crack units remain relevant in the war on crime," he said.

The new team was inaugurated by director of Criminal Investigation Department Ndegwa Muhoro.

The two units are charged with dealing with serious crimes like murder, robbery with violence, robbery, theft and fraud.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Commission has extended the terms of some of the retiring senior police officers for another year.

The affected officers were supposed to retire between July and September.

"We have been informed they will retire next year or after the General Elections," said an informed officer who asked not to be named.

A number of senior officers are on contract and some junior officers have been complaining this has hampered their promotions.

Expectations were that they will be retired to pave way for promotion of other juniors and postings to the counties.