Why leaves for 5,000 police officers have been suspended

The Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has cancelled annual leave for more than 5,000 officers to beef up security during the festive season.

Mutyambai ordered the leaves suspended immediately and all officers on leave to report back to their stations.

The police boss sent an internal memo to all police commanders on Tuesday directing them to ensure that all officers report back to work as directed.

“Inform all officers under your respective commands that annual leave has been suspended until further notice,” stated the memo.

Mutyambai said the leaves will be taken at a later date after the festivities.

The move follows fears that criminal gangs might stage attacks during the festive season.

To address fears of a rise in crime, police plan major operations in the country from next week. This will include traffic operations to tame road carnage.

“You will see more operations in all places. This is aimed at thwarting any criminal plans,” said an informed officer who asked not to be named.

More focus will be in Mombasa where criminal gangs have been reported to attack residents in the recent past and areas next to the Kenya-Uganda border that have been targets of the Al Shabaab terrorist group.