The Inspector General National Police Service, Japhet Koome, has recalled all officers on leave to resume work.
IG Japhet Koome, in a statement on Wednesday December 20, he said there is need to enhance security during the festive season.
“To further enhance police visibility and security in the Country, we have also directed all Officers who are currently on Leave to resume duty with immediate effect,” read part of the notice.
Additionally, he noted high vehicular traffic is expected due to increased movements of Kenyans across the country and the ongoing El-Nino rains.
“The vehicular situation this year is further compounded by the ongoing heavy El-Nino rains being experienced in many parts of the Country, which in turn is causing poor visibility on the roads,” he added.
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Nonetheless, he expressed concern over the recent spate of fatal accidents, claiming 16 lives in Machakos and Nakuru in the past week noting that they could be avoided.
“It is quite regrettable that most of road traffic accidents and crashes in the Country, are due to preventable human factors,” he added.
“In most of these cases, we are talking of non-compliance with traffic regulations and rules such as operating defective vehicles, failure to use safety belts by commuters, speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and dangerous overtaking,” he highlighted.
Addressing pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, passengers, and drivers, Koome appealed for adherence to traffic rules, “so that we make this festive season safe for all of us.”
Stance Against Corruption
Besides, he reiterated the ongoing collaboration with agencies like NTSA and EACC to ensure safety and sanity prevailed in the roads.
Taking a strong stance against corruption, Koome declared, the National Police Service had no room for Corrupt Officers.
“My Office remains open to the Director EACC for collaboration in the fight against corruption,” he added.
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In addition, Koome encouraged Citizens to remain vigilant during celebrations and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or the designated hotlines – 999, 112, 911, and 0800 722 203.
Past Accidents
Four people lost their lives following a grisly road accident along Nakuru – Eldoret Highway on Monday December 18.
Similarly, on Saturday, December 16, another road accident occurred in Makueni County claiming 12 lives.
Additionally, a 66-seater bus was involved in a fatal road accident in Londiani, Kericho County on Thursday December 14 causing serious injuries to 40 people.
Notably, the National Police Service reported that 4,026 Kenyans lost their lives in road accidents between January 1, 2023, and December 12, 2023.
