Mixed fortunes mark Iteere tenure as police boss

By CYRUS OMBATI

When he was appointed to the office in late 2009, outgoing Commissioner of Police Mathew Iteere knew the kind of shoes he was stepping into.

Iteere took over from Rt Maj-Gen Hussein Ali, the longest serving police chief. Iteere had been the commandant of General Service Unit for less than two years.

He came into office at a time the country was still healing from the wounds of post 2007/2008 election violence, which claimed more than 1,330 people.

He was the tenth Commissioner of Police since Independence after Benerd Hinga, Ben Gethi, Benard Njinu, Philip Kilonzo, Shedrack Kiruki, Dancun Wachira, Philemon Abongo, Edwin Nyaseda and Ali.

He has been secceeded by David Kimaiyo, who was sworn in today as the Inspector General of Police.

Under his tenure, Iteere has seen what he termed as ‘worst times’ after the PEV. He said terrorism remains the biggest security challenge in the country and the region at large.

“We must remain vigilant and support police in their efforts to ensure we are safe. It is still a problem,” he said.

Since Kenyan troops crossed into Somalia to hunt Al Shabaab militants, up to 40 blasts have been reported in the country, claiming close to 100 lives with several others left nursing wounds.

Under Iteere, up to 100 police officers have been killed in various attacks.

The worst incident was in Baragoi last month where more than 40 officers were killed in an ambush by bandits.

Nine officers were also killed in Tana River in September when they were ambushed in their makeshifts by raiders in the ongoing inter communal clashes.

Apart from the officers, more than 150 people have been killed in Tana River alone in the last three months in clashes that have drawn international attention.

Officers are also being killed on a weekly basis by militants, who have been dispatched from Somalia and promised Sh890,000 for every officer they kill.

Tribal clashes in parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Moyale and parts of upper Eastern were a common occurrence during Iteere’s tenure, leaving tens of people killed, injured and displaced.

Yesterday, Iteere was pulled out of Vigilance House aboard a Landrover in a low key event attended by few senior officers who took several photos with him.

Iteere told The Standard that he had done the best given the kind of environment he was operating in and meagre resources.

 “You cannot blame the officers for doing what they did. They tried given the kind of environment we have been in,” he said citing the laws, few resources and training of officers.

He said he had ensured officers had adequate housing and it is also during his term that officers got a pay hike though  this is yet to be fully implemented.

Last evening, Iteere’s deputy Francis Okonya said terrorism remains the security challenge and urged for extra vigilance during the festive season.

“Terrorism has been a security threat for most of this year, whereas the Government has put in place extensive measures to guarantee security, we would like to advice the public to continue with vigilance during this season,” he said.

He told proprietors of hotels, shopping malls and other business premises to beef security during the festivities.

“PSV operators should similarly be vigilant at their termini while churches and other groups wishing to hold overnight vigil to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and the New Year are strongly advised to liaise with the local police formations for security arrangements.”

He urged people to always ascertain the contents and identify the owner of luggages left with them or in any premises for which they are responsible.

“If you are not certain of the nature of the luggage or the identity of the owner call the police immediately. Generally unattended luggage should not be encouraged in public premises.”