Duncan Kabethi Wachira, the former Commissioner of Police was sacked after Kenya’s first terror attack in August 1998. – By Gerald Gekara
The daring 11 O’clock attack at the Kenyan US Embassy in Nairobi was the excuse for relieving the ex-cop his duties by President Daniel Arap Moi.
The attack was executed at the US embassy headquarters, then hoisted at the Moi Avenue/Haile Sellasie avenue junction.
The crime scene was only 50 metres from the National Police Headquarters, popularly known as Vigilance House.
During the dreaded attack, Wachira was holed up in his office at the 3rd Floor. He appeared clueless as the explosion tore the embassy into pieces, and killed hundreds of Kenyans.
After the attack, the Kenya Army took over rescue efforts at the the US Embassy building, the flattened Ufundi Sacco and Cooperative Bank building.
The operation was led by Brigadier David Agoi, now the MP for Sabatia.
Wachira became a bystander, a passive observer and a security flower boy until former President Moi sacked him.
He was replaced by Philemon Abong’o, the first beneficiary of the Luo-Moi handshake.
‘Strong Man’
When he was appointed Police Commisioner in 1996, Wachira was nicknamed strong man by fellow police officers. He was feared and respected in equal measure.
A career Criminal Investigations Department (CID) man, Wachira was instrumental in eliminating armed gangsters in Nairobi and Kiambu.
He had formed a lethal partnership with former NYS Chief Mwania, through which hundreds of common thugs were dispatched to the next world.
However, Wachira was also accused of grabbing a prime plot in Upper Hill, together with Justice Aaron Ringera.
The plot had been set aside for the construction of Police Headquarters, situated at the junction of Elgon Road and Matumbato.
Wachira will for long be remembered for his role as the pioneer direct inspectorate cadet hired to streamline police force.
