Traffic police banned from carrying firearms while on duty in the latest directive
- Published By Jedida Barasa For The Statesman Digital
- 1 year ago
Traffic officers on duty will no longer be allowed to carry firearms, in the latest directive to maintain law and order within the police service.
In a notice written by Deputy Inspector General of Police Mirriam Muli to all commandants of traffic police, the order would take effect from the beginning of December 1, 2023.
The Deputy IG was concerned about the recent misuse of firearms by traffic officers with a series of incidents of traffic officers using rifles to engage in misconduct
"It has been noted with great concern that officers actively engaging in traffic duties are armed. This has resulted in the misuse of firearms by the officers," the notice read in part
Resila Onyango, police spokesperson, also confirmed that traffic commanders were directed to ensure that their officers comply with the directive.
The new directive comes hours after a traffic officer opened fire at Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) detectives to evade arrest.
EACC claimed that the officer and his colleagues were notorious for extorting bribes from motorists at the Karagita Junction in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
While addressing the media, EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak confirmed that none of his officers got injured but pointed out that three traffic officers were arrested in the raid.
He, however, noted that the armed traffic officer managed to escape.
"Our position as EACC, in coordination with the Inspector General, is that traffic police officers should never be armed unless it is extremely necessary," he stated.
Traffic officers operating roadblocks were singled out for engaging in corrupt practices by extorting bribes from motorists. Following the concerns, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki abolished police roadblocks.
Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, in November last year, had lamented the rate of corruption at road checks, saying that it had risen to an alarming ratio.
Share on
SHARE YOUR COMMENT
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
Trending Stories
DJ Mo’s former illicit lo...
- Published By Jane
- January 15, 2024
Mapenzi! Zari and Tanasha...
- Published By Jane
- October 24, 2023
Zuchu Speaks on Diamond P...
- Published By Jane
- October 12, 2023
Hio Ni Upumbavu Wasituche...
- Published By Jane
- November 8, 2023
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
How to deal with a silent...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
How to set yourself up fo...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Si...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Study reveals long term e...
- Published By Jedida
- October 16, 2024
Latest Stories
Speaker Moses Wetangula f...
- Published By Jedida
- December 22, 2024
Interior CS Kipchumba Mur...
- Published By Jedida
- December 22, 2024
EPL 24/25: Newcastle thra...
- Published By Jedida
- December 22, 2024
EPL 24/25: West Ham draw...
- Published By Jedida
- December 22, 2024