Police ban patrols in private vehicles

The use of unmarked vehicles by police officers on patrol has been banned in Nairobi forthwith.

In a move aimed at containing rampant extortion, brutality and in some cases extra judicial killings, the officers have not only been prohibited from using Toyota Proboxes for any patrols but also directed to make arbitrary arrests and bar raids unless they are dressed in Persian blue uniform and under the command of an Inspector of Police.

“The use of such vehicles by officers in civilian attire has now been prohibited as such will be deemed as illegal operations and extortion, which is criminal,” a senior officer said.

As a result, not all officers will be allowed to raid bars, check trading licences and make arrests.

“Policing needs to be done professionally. Station commanders must be ready to explain why private vehicles are used in policing matters,” the commander added.

The officers have further been directed not to conduct any police duties and other operations outside their areas of jurisdiction.

“Stern departmental action will be taken against any person contravening this directive forthwith,” the directive read.

Promote businesses

Nairobi Deputy Regional Police boss James Mugera said the decisions had been taken as a result of numerous complaints from members of the public.

He confessed that some of their officers had taken advantage of the measures introduced in good faith to contain insecurity to extort, harass and intimidate  the same members of the public they are supposed to protect.

“We have decided to enforce the new directives with immediate effect and any officer found not undertaking his duties professionally will face the music. There is no room for rogue officers in Nairobi,” he warned.

Quick Response Unit (QRU) officers in jungle uniform have also been directed not to effect any arrests or visit bars and restaurants.

The move comes at a time when residents, especially those running clubs and eateries, have complained of police harassment and extortion.

“We must promote businesses and not undermine them,” the officers were told.

On August 18, John Kiiru was fatally assaulted by officers on patrol from Kayole Police Station  in a Toyota Probox.

Kiiru’s life was snuffed out by officers enforcing curfew orders who after the assault, left him writhing in pain until he succumbed to the injuries.

According to witnesses, the deceased had hired a boda boda to take him to his house and on reaching Tushauriane stage, police officers driving in a white Toyota Probox hit them from behind and he fell down.

The rider, however, rode away and the officers then attacked Kiiru using batons.

Such vehicles are mostly used by officers from Pangani, Soweto, Kayole and Huruma police stations.

In Pangani, for example, there are cases where suspects have been arrested by officers driving in such vehicles only for their bodies to be found dumped elsewhere.

Investigations also reveal that in some cases, they change the number plates to ensure that they are not traced and subsequently held accountable for their actions.

The Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) has received a number of complaints where police officers have been raiding bars and harassing patrons.

On August 11, for example, police officers from Karen Police Station raided a restaurant located in Karen shopping centre.

They were captured on CCTV collecting alcoholic drinks worth thousands of shillings. The owner made a complaint to Inspector General and the matter is with IAU.

Security experts say patrols using unmarked cars have both advantages and disadvantages.

While marked vehicles improve police visibility, deter crime and eliminate law enforcement impersonators, unmarked vehicles can also be useful in monitoring and effecting arrest.

“A combination of overt and covert mobile patrols will definitely have a bigger effect than one or the other. 

Concealed tactics may be justified when on the lookout for a suspect or in an area in which regular, visible patrols have been ineffective,” he said.