Traffic police officers have been ordered not to carry firearms to ‘work’ while executing traffic duties.
According to police sources at police headquarters, Vigilance House, the new directive issued by the office of the Deputy Inspector General, Kenya Police Service (KPS) Douglas Kanja cited misuse of firearms by traffic officers.
The DIG gave an order to the commander to ensure the order was executed.
“It has been noted with great concern that officers actively engaged in traffic duties are armed (carrying firearms). This has resulted in misuse of the firearms by the officers. From today, November 30, 2023, no officer actively on Traffic duties will carry a firearm. Commanders ensure that this directive is complied with promptly. Confirm copied and compliance.” The correspondence to police commanders read in part.
The new directive comes a day after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Eacc) CEO Twalib Mbarak called for the disarming of traffic officers after an officer tried to fire at Eacc officers obstructing his arrest in a dramatic scene captured in an amateur video footage.
Mbarak said the commission’s officers moved in to arrest officers who were openly receiving bribes from motorists, but one managed to escape.
“He was armed and tried to fire at our officers. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but he managed to escape.” Mbarak explained.
He stated that the anti-graft commission is in communication with the office of the Inspector General on the issue.
“Our position as the EACC in coordination with the office of the Inspector General, we are in communication with the IG and he supports our operations, is that traffic policemen and policewomen should never be armed unless it is extremely necessary for their safety.” He added.