The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet were barred from posting photos of suspects on social media on Friday but a few days later they have done the opposite.
On Monday evening, the DCI, through its official Twitter handle paraded one Elvis Ombati – a suspect accused of extortion.
“Police Constable Elvis Ombati Mitenti, attached to the Dog Unit-Nakuru, was arrested today evening by @DCI_Kenya Detectives for trying to extort money by threatening the Manager of Njoro Huduma Nursing Home with arrest.
“He was accusing the management of illegal power connection,” read the tweet.
It further added: “Upon interrogation, the officer admitted to threatening the management with arrest in order for him to be bribed.
“He had also claimed to be @DCI_Kenya Detective based at Nakuru Central Police Station, which was untrue. Investigations already commenced to nab his accomplices.”
Last week, Justice Wilfrida Okwany issued temporary orders restraining the DCI from posting such photographs specifically on Twitter and Facebook.
“That a conservatory order be and is hereby issued restraining the Inspector of General Police and Director of Criminal Investigations from posting suspects and or accused person booking photographs and on the internet and social media and more specifically on the DCI Facebook and Twitter page pending the determination of the petition,” read the court order.
The latest photo on the DCI’s page elicited a number of reactions and below we have sampled some:
“Am I missing something? I thought the court stopped the publication of suspect’s pictures,” asked one Twitter user.
“Journalists take & publish suspects photos on tv & newspapers anyway. When you are caught stealing that should be in the public domain, Why were all others not caught. This is one way to deter crime & is within the jurisdiction of DCI office not any other. Separation of powers,” wrote the Motorist Association.
“@DCI it doesn't matter whom you arrested, if you can't follow the law you are a bad example and you don't deserve respect. ..lead by example,” added another netizen.
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