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The acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has led a team of senior security officers on a two-day tour to evaluate security situation and officers’ preparedness in the Northern region following reports of possible terror attacks.

Masengeli was accompanied by Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin and the General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni to also plan operations in the region to downgrade the activities of the terrorists.

Masengeli is currently in the eye of a storm after repeatedly ignoring court summons to shed light on the whereabouts of three men who were allegedly abducted in Kitengela, Kajiado county at the height of the Generation Z protests in July.

On Monday, High Court judge Lawrence Mugambi convicted Masengeli for contempt of court but reserved his sentencing to tomorrow (Friday).

Security protocols

During the trip, Masengeli and his team engaged with local authorities and enhanced security protocols in the wider northern region amid persistent attacks by terrorists. According to the police boss, the assessment is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the regional security landscape and implement effective solutions.

“The outcome of this assessment will pave the way in maintaining peace and order in all corners of the nation,” he said.

The region has borne the brunt of many terror attacks because of its proximity to Somalia. The team visited the Special Operations Group (SOG), an elite police unit under the Border Patrol Unit (BPU) whose main function is to protect the main borders in Kenya.

SOG officers are among the best-trained officers in modern police operations and work with other government agencies in efforts to address terror threats.

Prior to his appointment on July 12, Masengeli was the head of the 1000-strong SOG where his role entailed identifying and analyzing insecurity early warning signs, budgeting and disseminating resources for security operations.