Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS) has issued a formal clarification regarding the tenure of the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, in response to reports that he is on his way out.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Daily Nation carried a headline suggesting that Amin’s tenure ended that day and linking the DCI with widespread abductions.
The NPS described these reports as factually inaccurate, speculative, and misleading, emphasizing that Mr. Amin continues to serve lawfully and perform his duties diligently.
“On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, several publications, notably the Daily Nation, carried headlines suggesting that Mr. Amin’s tenure ended that day and linking the DCI with widespread abductions,” NPS said.
NPS Tenure and Appointment Clarifications
The NPS further noted that the appointment and tenure of senior security leadership, including the Director of the DCI, are governed by established law and procedure.
They clarified that no media outlet has the authority to declare the end of a public officer’s term, and any claims suggesting an immediate termination of Mr. Amin’s service are premature and baseless.
NPS highlighted that speculative reporting on sensitive security matters risks generating public uncertainty and could undermine confidence in national security institutions.
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The statement confirmed that Amin remains in office and is fully engaged in executing his responsibilities. The Directorate operates under a strict legal framework, with oversight by multiple independent bodies, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the courts, and Parliament.
“The claim that Mr. Amin’s tenure ‘ends today’ is factually inaccurate, premature, speculative, and misleading. Mr. Mohamed Amin continues to serve in office lawfully and is discharging his duties diligently in service to the country,” the NPS noted in the statement.
Addressing Allegations of Abductions
The NPS strongly refuted claims that the DCI is “haunted by abductions” under Mr. Amin’s leadership.
The statement described such allegations as erroneous, reckless, and unsubstantiated, noting that they unfairly tarnish the reputation of the Directorate and the wider National Police Service.
Investigations conducted by the DCI have consistently revealed that some reported cases of disappearances were staged or manipulated to create public sympathy, waste police resources, or undermine public trust.
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The NPS emphasized that genuine cases of abduction or disappearance are treated with utmost seriousness and are thoroughly investigated to their logical conclusion, without fear or favor.
They further cited the Directorate’s achievements under Amin, including the enhancement of forensic capabilities, the dismantling of major criminal syndicates, the strengthening of international cooperation, such as his recent election to a key INTERPOL position, and the relentless pursuit of serious crimes affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“Painting the DCI with a broad brush of ‘abductions’ ignores the Directorate’s significant achievements under Mr. Amin’s leadership: enhanced forensic capabilities; the successful dismantling of major criminal syndicates; improved international co-operation (including his recent election to a key INTERPOL position); and the relentless pursuit of serious crimes affecting ordinary Kenyans,” the statement warned.
The body urged media houses to practice responsible journalism by verifying facts before publication, especially on issues involving national security and public trust.
DCI Director’s Term of Service
Under the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
The law does not set a fixed term for the DCI Director; the officeholder serves at the President’s pleasure, guided by NPSC rules and the State officer remuneration framework of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
From the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Head of Public Service circulars, no public servant may continue serving after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Extensions beyond this age are generally considered a violation of established regulations. As a State-level officer, the DCI Director is subject to these rules unless a special political or legal dispensation is granted.
Mohammed Amin Ibrahim, born on 1 October 1964, turned 60 in 2024. He was appointed DCI Director on 14 October 2022, following the resignation of George Kinoti.
Despite the retirement rules, the NPSC granted Amin a two-year post-retirement contract extension in July 2024. This extension runs until April 2026.
Legally, under the PSC and Head of Public Service rules, Amin should have retired in 2024 upon reaching 60.
Administratively, under the NPSC contract, his de facto exit is scheduled for April 2026, unless the President and NPSC approve another extension.
