The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has ordered all police officers on leave to return to work immediately.
The National Police Service made the announcement as part of their preparations for the holiday season.
“To enhance police visibility and security in the Country, we have also directed all Officers who are currently on Leave to resume duty with immediate effect,” the IG said.
To stop any possible criminal activities, the Inspector General (IG) urged Kenyans to stay watchful and report any suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authorities.
“I wish to call upon members of the public to remain vigilant even as you celebrate, and report any crime or suspicious activities, to the nearest police station or through the police hotline numbers 999, 112, 911, and 0800 722 203,” he said.
He continued by calling on traffic cops to uphold law and order on the roads by dutifully carrying out their mandate.
“I wish to reiterate my past sentiments, that the National Police Service has no room for Corrupt Officers. My Office remains open to the Director EACC for collaboration in the fight against corruption,” he said.
At Jogoo House in Nairobi on Wednesday, the Inspector General gave a speech to the media.
“I am appealing to pedestrians, cyclists, boda boda riders, passengers, and drivers to adhere to traffic rules so that we make this festive season safe for all of us,” the IG said.
Koome stated that because more Kenyans are travelling throughout the nation over the holiday season, it is anticipated that there will be a lot of car traffic on the roads.
He claimed that the continued, intense El Nino rains that are occurring in several parts of the country have made the vehicular situation worse this year and are also making it harder to see on the highways.
“From our data, road traffic accidents are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities, with negative financial and health implications of accidents on victims and caregivers,” he said.
Since last week, Koome said that there have already been two significant deadly traffic accidents in Machakos and Nakuru, resulting in a total of 16 fatalities.
According to him, the National Police Service is still in favour of the continuous collaboration with other governmental organisations, such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in order to guarantee road safety and sanity.
