Inspector General (IG) of police Japhet Koome has given police officers four days to arrest at least one drug baron in Mombasa County.
Speaking on Monday, February 26, Koome said the police posted in the Coastal County must arrest a drug baron during his four days tour in the region.
“For a long time, he has not arrested any drug Barron. I am here on duty for about four days, we must get a drug Barron with those four days. You have not option,” said Koome while directing the county police boss.
Koome said the Commander should not complain about receiving phone calls from superiors affecting the arrest or release of suspects.
“When I talk to him, he tells me he receives calls from above, but there is no day the president, deputy president or interior CS Prof Kindiki have called to order me not to arrest or release a suspect. So, who is calling you?” posed the IG.
The IG explained that some of the police posted in the county complain about the terrain.
He emphasized that the new regional commander posted in Mombasa should not use that as ana excuse since he is from Northeastern.
“Otherwise, we shall listen a lot more, talks less but act more. Let your presence be felt from today fellow officers. Let me start getting returns every morning on how many barons have been arrested. Whoever it is, whatever status of the society he will be thrown behind the land cruiser,” he said.
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Koome on Governor’s Licensing Bars
Koome also asked Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to review the laws and allow the National Police Service (NPS) license bars and liquor stores.
According to the IG, the Governors tasked with issuing the license focus majorly on votes and revenue leaving behind the security side of it.
“This issue of governors licensing liquor stores, this is a security matter and people are dying. But the governor will focus on votes and revenue, they forget about the security aspect of it. The law can be changed on licensing of liquor outlets and revered to how it used to be. It is true and governors should leave it for us,” stated Koome.
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Suspects Shouldn’t Wear Face Masks
The IG wants suspects barred from wearing face masks during arrest or in court.
He reasoned that suspects wear face masks with big spectacles and caps to hide their identity while appearing in court.
“At least hiyo punishment kidogo kuonekana na kila mtu. Sasa naona wengine wamenyamaza sijui wanataka tuendele na face masks but lazima wapate aibu,” he said.
This can be translated to “They should at least feel that punishment of being seen by everybody. Some people have gone silent I don’t know if they want this trend to continue but the suspects must feel the shame.”
