Mudavadi announces major drop in national crime rates

There is a decrease in general crime, including offences such as robbery, break-ins, stock theft, vehicle thefts, dangerous drugs, traffic offences, and corruption cases.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi however said yesterday that there are increased incidences of vandalism targeting electric power transmission infrastructure, resulting in power disruptions affecting service delivery and thus causing economic loss.

According to the ministry, a total of 114 cases were reported across the country, 81 cases are in court and 33 are under investigation.

Mudavadi said the security agencies had thwarted over 47 planned terrorists attacks across the country in the last three years and during that period several terrorists were killed and the government pushed for 11 successful convictions.

While giving the general security situation in the country in the last one year, Mudavadi said the Multi-Agency Operation in the North Rift, has seen a 62 percent decrease in cattle rustling cases in Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Marsabit, Laikipia, Isiolo and Meru counties, where certain areas were earlier gazetted as “Disturbed” and “Dangerous.”

Firearms recovered

He said 240 firearms were surrendered, while 14,598 cows were recovered in the last one year.

“Unfortunately, 179 civilians were killed and 4 officers also lost their lives in the region,” he said.

He added: “In the last six years a total of 383 officers have died in the line of duty, while this year, 830 officers have been injured in the line of duty.”

To foster a culture of security, the PCS called upon citizens to partner with law enforcement agencies, adding that reporting criminal activities, and suspicious behaviour and providing information to local authorities can make a significant difference in building a safer society.

Regarding the June protests, Mudavadi said that while they began as a lawful exercise of democratic rights, criminal elements infiltrated and disrupted the peaceful fabric of our nation.

“Though the majority of demonstrators sought to express their views lawfully, regrettably, criminal elements exploited the situation, leading to the tragic loss of life, a compromise of public safety,” he said.

Reunite with families

Mudavadi said some of the people allegedly kidnapped were safely reunited with their families for instance the two Kitengela brothers and activists (Kitengela three).

“All arrests will be conducted within the bounds of the law, and we remain committed to upholding the principles of justice and due process. Any officer found contravening these principles will be held accountable,” he warned.

The PCS added that following the resultant peace in the once-volatile area, the government has completed rebuilding 11 primary schools, 5 others are under rehabilitation while the government projects to rehabilitate 9 more for use during the first term of next year.

The country has also recorded a total of 7,107 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases from September 2023 to date. Nairobi County recorded the highest number of SGBV cases while Samburu and Mandera Counties had the lowest SGBV incidents. Equally, there are 100 murders of women from August to November 2024.

So far, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has completed investigations on these and the majority are pending before court. The Inspector General of Police has formed a specialized Missing Persons Unit domiciled at the DCI Homicide Unit to deal with cases of femicide.

Road accidents spike

On road accidents, Mudavadi said the country has recorded an increase in serious injury due to road traffic accidents rising by about 11percent since 2023.

There has however been a decrease in fatalities among drivers, passengers, pillion passengers, and motorcyclists by 5.85 percent 10 percent, 9 percent, and 10.05 percent respectively.

To ensure the safety of people during the festive season, there will be increased police presence and patrols along major highways, both day and night to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws.

“The enhanced patrols will serve to discourage reckless driving, and speed violations, and to prevent unlicensed and overloaded PSVs from operating,” Mudavadi said.

He said the gas explosion in Embakasi (Miradi) where 13 lives were lost and over 300 people injured was a significant catastrophe.

“To effectively mitigate the impacts of these disasters, the Government continues to enforce and review legislation concerning environmental management and enhance early warning systems to predict and monitor disasters,” he said.

A total of 49 cases of public interest have been registered in court for prosecution involving amounts totaling Sh6 billion and 15 convictions made.

In the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Programme (USAP), Kenya achieved a 91.77 percent rating, placing it second on the continent.

The enhanced multi-agency collaborations have also led to the recovery of 2,540 kg of elephant ivory, 14,547 kg of