A Nairobi court has granted bail to Omar Athman Omar, the imam charged with obtaining money by false pretences in an alleged Umrah travel scam, after finding no sufficient grounds to keep him in custody.
In its ruling, the court held that the prosecution had not demonstrated compelling reasons to justify continued detention, despite earlier objections citing him as a flight risk and possible interference with investigations.
The court released the accused on a cash bail of Ksh 400,000, with an alternative bond of a similar amount, pending the hearing of the case.
Omar is accused of fraudulently obtaining Ksh 774,000 from Mohamed Salim Bahlewa in December 2025, after allegedly promising to facilitate Umrah visas for the complainant and his family.
The visas were never secured and the complainant told investigators that the accused became unreachable after the scheduled travel date of December 29, 2025 passed.
Prosecutors had opposed bail, arguing that the accused had previously left the country for Saudi Arabia, had no fixed residence within the court’s jurisdiction, and could use his position as a religious leader to influence witnesses.
They also told the court that investigations were ongoing and that another similar complaint had been lodged at Lang’ata Police Station.
However, the court ruled that these concerns did not meet the legal threshold required to deny bail.
The matter is scheduled for mention on February 24, 2026, as investigations continue.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced changes affecting the inspection of imported goods after the expiry of service contracts under its Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme.
In a notice on Tuesday, February 10, KEBS explained how inspections of imported goods are normally handled and how the PVoC system works.
The agency then addressed the expiry of the current contracts and what this means for certification requests.
“The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) conducts inspection of imported goods either at the country of exportation through the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) to Standards Programme, or at the destination (Ports of Entry). The PVoC services are offered by inspection companies contracted by KEBS under a three (3) year contract cycle.
“KEBS hereby informs all stakeholders and the public that the current PVoC contracts for general goods expired on 8th February 2026. Consequently, previous PVoC service providers have ceased operations and will not accept any new Requests for Certification (RFCs). However, all RFCs received on or before 8th February 2026 will be processed, provided that a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or Non-Conformity Report (NCR) is issued,” the notice read.
KEBS reassured importers that the process of appointing new inspection firms is already underway.
However, in the meantime, the standards body clarified that shipments without prior certification will be subjected to Destination Inspection, upon payment of an inspection fee.
“KEBS is in the process of procuring inspection companies for the next three-year PVoC contract cycle and will provide updates on the resumption of PVoC services upon conclusion of the procurement process.
“During the interim period, all imports shipped on or after 9th February 2026 without a valid CoC will be subjected to Destination Inspection, upon payment of an inspection fee equivalent to 0.6% of the approved customs value,” the notice added.
To help importers prepare and minimize clearance challenges, KEBS outlined recommended quality assurance steps before goods are shipped.
“Importers are encouraged to take the following measures for efficient clearance at Ports of Entry: Product Testing Prior to Importation: Obtain the applicable Kenya Standards from KEBS and share them with suppliers to facilitate testing of goods in any ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory before exportation to Kenya; and Product Registration and Diamond Mark Scheme: Products may be registered by KEBS or certified under the KEBS Diamond Mark Scheme prior to importation,” the notice highlighted.
File image of KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari
KEBS also explained how the quality documents should be submitted for processing, adding that proof of compliance from the exporting country remains a requirement.
“Importers with either of the above quality documents must submit them, along with other import documentation, through the National Single Window Trade Facilitation Platform for processing under the Pre-Arrival Processing arrangements.
“In addition, importers must provide a certificate showing that products intended for importation are freely sold and compliant with applicable regulatory requirements in the country of origin,” the notice explained.
The bureau further clarified that regional trade rules for East African Community member states are not affected by the change.
KEBS added that inspection arrangements for used vehicles and related equipment remain unchanged under an existing contract.
“Goods from East African Community (EAC) Partner States will continue to follow the provisions of the EAC Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act, 2006.
“The PVoC contract for used motor vehicles, mobile equipment, and spare parts between KEBS and M/s Quality Inspection Services Japan (QISJ) remains in force. All such consignments without a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) or CoC will be subjected to Destination Inspection under Legal Notice No. 78 of April 2020,” the notice concluded.
Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has spoken out following the fatal shooting of a student, Sheryl Adhiambo, linked to its Mathari Campus.
In a show of solidarity, KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch visited the campus on Tuesday, February 10, to stand with the grieving community and address student leaders and staff during a somber gathering.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief as students and faculty gathered to mourn the tragic loss of Sheryl Adhiambo, a first-year student remembered as vibrant and full of promise.
“The loss of Sheryl Adhiambo is a heartbreaking blow to our entire KMTC community. To her fellow students, please know that in this difficult season, you are not walking alone. The College is committed to providing the psychosocial support needed to help you navigate this tragedy,” he said.
On behalf of KMTC, Oluoch conveyed condolences to Sheryl’s family, friends, and all who knew her.
He said the circumstances surrounding the incident are subject to ongoing official processes, noting that the college has engaged relevant independent oversight institutions and will continue to cooperate fully.
Oluoch also reaffirmed KMTC’s commitment to continued support for Mathari Campus, including strengthening student welfare and counselling services.
This comes two days after the National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement following Sheryl’s shooting.
In a statement on Sunday, February 8, NPS outlined the sequence of events that led to the deadly confrontation, the subsequent breakdown of order, and the steps being taken to ensure accountability.
According to the NPS, the chain of events began on the morning of Saturday, February 7, when a member of the public reported an alleged robbery, leading to police action and multiple arrests later in the day.
“Yesterday, 7 February 2026, at around 08:00, a member of the public reported at Huruma Police Station that five young men known to him had attacked him, robbed him of a silver chain and Ksh1,800 in cash, and threatened to kill him. Police visited the scene and arrested two suspects. Further enquiries led to the arrest of two more suspects at around 19:30,” the statement read.
The police explained that tensions escalated during the second arrest when one suspect allegedly incited nearby youths.
“During this second arrest, one of the suspects raised an alarm and incited other youths nearby, who responded by throwing stones and other projectiles at the police in an attempt to obstruct the officers from executing their duties. The officers were forced to fire warning shots into the air,” the statement added.
The NPS said that shortly after the confrontation, they received information indicating that a member of the public had been fatally injured.
“A short while later, information was received indicating that a member of the public had been fatally injured during the confrontation,” the statement continued.
NPS stated that formal procedures to document the incident and establish accountability are ongoing, with independent oversight already in place.
“The NPS wishes to assure the public that a full documentation and accountability process for this incident is currently underway. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been at the scene since early morning conducting investigations, with the police continuing to offer their full cooperation,” the statement noted.
The police acknowledged the loss of life and urged the public to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed without further violence.
“The NPS acknowledges the tragic death of a young person during the skirmishes last evening. The public is asked to allow the processes of transparency and accountability to take place and to desist from further acts of lawlessness to enable de-escalation,” the statement concluded.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested four suspects and recovered a Glock 19 pistol following a reported theft from a hotel room in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 10, the DCI said the firearm, which belonged to a licensed holder, was taken in what investigators described as a brazen incident that prompted an intensive investigation.
The DCI explained that the incident began when the complainant, who is a licensed firearm holder, left his hotel room believing his belongings were secure, only to later discover that the weapon and ammunition were missing.
“Kilimani detectives have successfully recovered a Glock 19 pistol that was brazenly snatched from a hotel room, arresting four suspects in connection with this heist in the process.
“The saga began when the complainant, a licensed firearm holder, securely locked up his hotel room in Kilimani, confident that his prized possessions, including his Glock 19 and two magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition, would be safe. Little did he know that upon returning from errands, he would find his hotel room turned upside down, with the pistol and ammunition missing,” the statement read.
Investigators noted that detectives immediately launched a detailed inquiry, relying on forensic evidence and refusing to abandon the case until the firearm was traced.
“Determined to crack the case, investigators launched a meticulous inquiry. Refusing to let the trail go cold, forensic leads steered the detectives to Kangemi in Dagoretti North, where the hunt for the stolen firearm reached its decisive turn,” the statement added.
The DCI further stated that the operation in Kangemi led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of the stolen pistol from their residence.
“There, the detectives pounced on four suspects: Alex Agar, Harrison Oyuoma, Dan Karani, and Beatrice Njoki. A search of their residence soon unveiled the stolen pistol, hidden but not well enough,” the statement further read.
The suspects are now in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment.
The National Police Service (NPS) is facing pressure following allegations that police officers implicated in the brutal assault of civilians during an incident in Nandi County were transferred instead of being subjected to disciplinary action.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 10, the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) said the misconduct in Nandi County reflects structural problems within NPS and cannot be treated as an isolated case.
“The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) strongly condemns the recent decision to transfer police officers implicated in the brutalization of civilians in Nandi County.
“The Nandi County incident is not an isolated case. Similar allegations of excessive force and police brutality have been reported across several counties, underscoring systemic gaps in accountability, supervision, and disciplinary enforcement within the National Police Service,” the statement read.
PRWG-K argued that transferring officers accused of violence does not amount to accountability and instead reinforces a culture where misconduct goes unpunished.
“We maintain that administrative transfers are not a form of accountability; rather, they serve to entrench a culture of impunity within the National Police Service.
“By merely relocating officers accused of violence, the Service fails to address the underlying misconduct and instead risks spreading the same patterns of abuse to new communities,” the statement added.
The group stressed that allegations of excessive force must be addressed through formal and transparent processes, warning that transfers undermine both public trust and victims’ access to justice.
“Under the National Police Service Act, allegations of excessive force and abuse of authority must be met with prompt investigations and, where appropriate, immediate interdiction or suspension. Moving an officer to a different station undermines public confidence and creates significant hurdles for victims seeking justice. Accountability must be visible, lawful, and act as a deterrent.
“Anything less than a formal disciplinary process signals a dangerous tolerance for brutality and violates the Service’s constitutional mandate to protect and uphold human rights,” the statement further read.
File image of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja
PRWG-K also highlighted the doctrine of command responsibility, arguing that senior officers who fail to prevent or respond to unlawful conduct should equally be held to account.
“PRWG-K further emphasises the principle of command responsibility. Senior officers who authorise, condone, or fail to prevent unlawful conduct bear responsibility for violations committed under their command.
“Where officers implicated in brutality are transferred without accountability and subsequently cause harm in new postings, vicarious responsibility arises, exposing commanders and the Service to legal and institutional liability for foreseeable violations,” the statement added.
In light of the Nandi County incident, PRWG-K urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to take action, including investigations, public reporting, and enforcement of disciplinary measures.
“PRWG-K calls upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct thorough and independent investigations into the conduct of the officers involved in the Nandi County incidents; provide regular public updates on the status and progress of these investigations to ensure transparency; and recommend formal disciplinary proceedings for service offenses and ensure the full enforcement of legal sanctions,” the statement concluded.
This comes days after NPS announced disciplinary measures against six police officers following the CCTV footage showing misconduct at a pool table venue in Nandi Hills.
In a statement on January 31, NPS said the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered administrative action against the six officers following recommendations made by the Internal Affairs Unit.
The six officers include the Sub-County Police Commander (OCPD) for Tinderet; the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for Songoh; the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for Nandi Hills; the Officer in Charge, RDU Songoh Camp; the Officer in Charge, GSU Songoh Camp; and the Officer in Charge, ASTU Songoh Camp.
NPS explained that the disciplinary action was intentionally directed at local commanders, stating that those in charge bear ultimate responsibility for conduct within their areas of command.
“This action deliberately focuses on local commanders to ensure they are held fully accountable for all conduct within their jurisdictions. There will be no tolerance for such misconduct,” NPS stated.
The Ministry of Repentance and Holiness has issued a statement following the circulation of a viral image on social media that allegedly depicts Prophet David Owuor engaging in a WhatsApp conversation with God.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 10, the ministry dismissed the claim as a complete fabrication, warning the public against being misled by false and malicious content.
“It has come to our attention that a fabricated image is circulating on social media, falsely alleging that Prophet Dr. Owuor engages in WhatsApp communication with GOD. This claim is entirely false, baseless, and malicious,” the statement read.
The statement further noted that Prophet Owuor has never suggested or displayed any such communication, adding that the material was intentionally created to mislead and mock the Christian faith.
“Prophet Dr. Owuor has never made, displayed, or alluded to any such communication. The circulating material is a deliberate fabrication intended to mislead the public, ridicule the Christian faith, and distract from the central message of repentance, holiness, and preparation for the coming of the Messiah,” the statement added.
The ministry went on to caution members of the public and believers against amplifying the false claim by sharing it on their platforms.
“We urge the public and all believers to disregard this false narrative completely, refrain from sharing it, and avoid giving it any attention or platform,” the statement concluded.
File image of Prophet David Owuor
This comes weeks after the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness dismissed claims that Prophet Owuor underwent knee replacement surgery.
The response, issued on Thursday, January 29, follows remarks attributed to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale that the ministry says were inaccurate and misleading.
“The Ministry of Repentance and Holiness strongly refutes recent public remarks attributed to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale regarding Prophet Dr. David Owuor. The statements suggesting that the prophet of the Lord underwent medical procedures as alleged are false, unverified, and misleading,” the statement read.
The ministry also explained Prophet Owuor’s whereabouts during the period in question, clarifying that he was outside the country on official religious duties.
“At the time being referenced, Prophet Dr. Owuor was on an official international mission in Europe, holding Revival Meetings and faithfully carrying out ministry work focused on the message of repentance, holiness, and preparation for the coming of the Messiah. He has since arrived back and continues with scheduled ministry activities,” the statement added.
Concern was also raised over how the information was shared, with the ministry calling for greater responsibility when discussing religious leaders and faith matters.
“The Ministry is deeply concerned by the circulation of inaccurate claims presented as fact without verification. We urge public leaders and media personalities to exercise responsibility and accuracy when speaking on matters concerning faith, religious missions, and individuals in spiritual leadership,” the statement continued.
The statement further highlighted the spiritual focus of the ministry’s activities and how such matters should be understood within a faith context.
“Our ministry gatherings are centered on prayer, repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ. Attendees often share personal testimonies of spiritual restoration and healings through The Blood of Jesus Christ.
“These are matters of faith and religious belief and should be treated with the respect afforded to all faith-based expressions,” the statement concluded.
Safaricom has unveiled Ziidi Trader, a new feature inside the M-PESA app that enables users to buy and sell Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) shares directly from their mobile wallet.
The platform includes watchlists, price alerts, and portfolio tracking. The platform is expected to lower barriers to stock market participation and expand retail activity on the exchange.
Speaking during the launch at NSE, President William Ruto hailed the initiative as transformative, saying that it will democratize capital markets, allowing those at the bottom of the economic pyramid to grow wealth in capital markets.
“This platform represents a decisive turning point in how citizens engage with the stock exchange. It opens the doors of the market participation wider than ever before, dismantling long-standing barriers that have locked out many willing investors and bringing opportunity closer to all citizens,” Ruto said.
He added that through the seamless integration of stock trading into the M- PESA platform, millions of Kenyans, especially youth and women, will gain simple, affordable, and convenient access to investments in shares, bonds, and other products listed on NSE,placing the tools of ownership and growth directly in their hands.
“I challenged the capital markets to democratise access through innovation and technology. Today, I am pleased to note that this challenge has been answered. The Safaricom Ziidi Trader clearly demonstrates what becomes possible when private sector innovation aligns with public purpose and national vision.”
He defended the government’s decision to private some state agencies like Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC), saying that these reforms are directly linked to broader national development priorities.
He detailed the government’s agenda for the next 10 years, including the dualling of 2,500 kilometres of highways; tarmacking an additional 28,000 kilometres of roads and increasing installed energy capacity from 3,300 megawatts to at least 10,000 megawatts.
Others are construction of 50 mega dams, 200 mini-dams, and 1,000 micro-dams to bring at least 2.5 million acres under irrigation.
He said that delivering this scale of transformation requires mobilising close to Sh5 trillion, and intends to achieve this without imposing additional burdens on taxpayers or accumulating unsustainable debt.
“That is precisely where our capital markets and platforms, such as the NSE, become central to the solution.”
Ziidi Trader operates under the oversight of CMA, ensuring investor protection, transparency, and market integrity, while supporting informed long-term investing through clear disclosures and investor education.
The launch builds on Safaricom’s commitment to champion financial access and wellness and marks the latest milestone in the evolution of the Ziidi Investment Platform.
Safaricom began this journey with Ziidi MMF, which encouraged disciplined saving and investment, followed by Ziidi Shariah, offering inclusive, Shariah‑compliant options.
With Ziidi Trader, Safaricom is expanding the platform even further, giving customers access to the stock market through a simple, secure, and fully digital experience.
“Ziidi Trader is a powerful step in democratizing wealth for our customers. For eighteen years, M-Pesa has transformed how Kenyans live, work and do business,” Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, represented at the event by chief finance officer, Dilip Pal, said.
“Today, in partnership with the NSE, we are extending that impact to how our customers build and grow their wealth. Our ambition is to be a trusted partner in powering digital lifestyles, making investing simple, convenient, and accessible to everyone, everywhere.”
By integrating NSE trading into the M-Pesa ecosystem, Ziidi Trader simplifies the investment journey, allowing customers to buy and sell shares, monitor their portfolios and access market insights seamlessly within the M-Pesa App.
“Partnering with Safaricom is helping us bring the stock market closer to everyday Kenyans,” Frank Mwiti, CEO, NSE said.
“By making NSE trading available through M-Pesa, we are making it easier for more people, both locally and abroad, to invest and play an active role in Kenya’s economic growth.” he added.
Ziidi Trader keeps customer’s investments safe, your data protected, and your transactions running smoothly every step of the way.
M-Pesa customers can access Ziidi Trader on the M-PESA App under the Financial services tab. Upon accepting the terms and conditions, they can start investing from as little as one share.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two relatives in connection with beating their 19-year-old nephew, Kevin Kipkorir, to death.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 10, the DCI reported that the two suspects, an uncle and an aunt of the deceased, committed the incident on February 2 in Kiplombe, Turbo Sub-County.
“Detectives from DCI Turbo have apprehended an uncle and aunt accused of jointly inflicting fatal punishment on their 19-year-old nephew, Kevin Kipkorir Meli, in a harrowing incident that unfolded on February 2, 2026, in Kiplombe Location, Turbo Sub-County,” DCI stated.
According to the DCI, police officers from Baharini Police Station received a distress call of a person who had been brutally beaten to death.
The officers who responded to the incident discovered Kevin’s body lying beneath an avocado tree within his uncle’s compound.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers documented the crime scene and noted that the victim’s body bore multiple injuries on his head, back, legs, and hands, with a blood clot in his nose.
The deceased’s body was subsequently transported to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Preliminary investigations by DCI detectives revealed that the 19-year-old was suspected of stealing and selling dry maize from his uncle’s home.
DCI mentioned that the suspects tied Kevin to an avocado tree using a rope before beating him until he was unconscious and passed away.
“In a twisted act of retribution, Phillip Kosgei, along with Tecla Chepchirchir, tied the young man to an avocado tree.
“They then subjected him to a merciless beating with canes until he fell unconscious and ultimately lost his life,” DCI said.
Detectives recovered a manila rope, used to tie Kevin to the tree, and broken sticks, employed in the vicious assault, as crucial pieces of evidence right next to the scene.
The two suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following his claims linking her husband, Sam Mburu, to alleged police interference in Nakuru County.
The exchange escalated after Gachagua blamed the Nakuru County police command, alleging it was under the influence of the governor’s spouse, prompting Kihika to issue a rejoinder dismissing the claims.
In a statement on Monday, February 9, Gachagua said that during a conversation with the Inspector General of Police, he was given assurances that the National Police Service would remain neutral and uphold constitutional freedoms of movement and assembly.
“Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, when we called on you on Friday 30th January 2026 with other National leaders before your two deputies and other senior officers you gave us several commitments.
“Among them was a clarification that the National Police Service is apolitical and would not meddle in politics. You went ahead to give us an assurance that the service will respect the constitutional provisions that guarantees freedom of movement and assembly,” he said.
Gachagua went on to state that the Inspector General said that police officers under his command would not interfere with public meetings or block leaders from engaging with citizens.
“You gave a categorical undertaking that under your command, the police will never disrupt public meetings or stop leaders from engaging members of the public. We doubted your assurances but nevertheless gave you the benefit of doubt while knowing very well you have surrendered the command of the National Police Service to politicians, political operatives and goons,” he added.
Gachagua further claimed that he had warned the Inspector General that the Nakuru County police command was under the control of Kihika’s husband.
“I specifically alerted you that the Police Command in Nakuru County was in the hands of Sam Mburu, the spouse to the County Governor, Susan Kihika,” he further said.
Gachagua also alleged that police officers mounted a roadblock using multiple vehicles in Naivasha, harassed members of the public for over an hour, and only withdrew after residents confronted them.
“The police in four land cruisers under the command of Naivasha OCPD Sigei Wilson had officers masking their faces and harassed members of the public for over one hour and withdrew after hundreds of agitated members of the public arrived at the scene and demanded the roadblock be removed to allow my entourage access Nakuru county,” he stated.
In response, Kihika dismissed Gachagua’s claims as irrational and accused him of being obsessed with her husband.
She went on to allege that Gachagua’s attacks on Mburu stem from failed attempts at coercion and extortion.
“Whom the gods want to destroy, they first make mad! Gachagua you are losing it! My spouse clearly lives rent free in your head, is it because he refused to be blackmailed and extorted by you for a ‘protection fee’ like you do other Mulima business men?” she asked.
File image of a police roadblock in Naivasha
Kihika further alleged that Gachagua had previously sought business dealings with her husband and only turned hostile after those advances were rejected.
“Didn’t you have him do business with your son? Didn’t you call him to partner with you for importation of sugar and he declined that you now want to come here and act brand new? Let me stop there but know you can’t intimidate us and there is a lot more where that came from,” she said.
Kihika also accused Gachagua of using his recent visit to Naivasha to hurl insults rather than articulate any policy agenda.
“What are you so afraid of that you seem to be chasing your shadow? You came to Kinamba, Naivasha yesterday and 90% of your speech was insulting my spouse and I you didn’t even give a single agenda on what you would do for the country should you ever be elected, though we all know you can’t even run due to that small issue of impeachment,” she added.
Kihika concluded by stating that while Gachagua is free to visit Nakuru, she would not tolerate incitement and disrespectful conduct.
“For the avoidance of doubt let me repeat what I said about your visit to Nakuru, you like any other person are welcome to come to Nakuru anytime. However, your hobby of incitement and bad manners should be checked at the county’s entrance. We are a cosmopolitan County and don’t entertain small minded tribal bigots,” she concluded.
Coast Police Boss Ali Nuno has faced sharp criticism over his shoot-to-kill order targeted towards a youth gang causing havoc in Mombasa.
Nuno had called on officers not to hesitate to use their firearms when dealing with the machete-wielding gang that terrorises locals.
The police boss’s order has been met with castigation amid a spike in extrajudicial killings of suspects at the hands of police officers.
Residents in Mombasa County have warned that the directive could result in the reckless killing of youths in the region.
“The police know the circumstances under which they are required to use their firearm in accordance with the Fourth Standing Order, ” one local stated.
PHOTO | COURTESY A file photo of Coast Police Commander Ali Nuno
On their part, a group of mothers instead turned to their sons, warning them against engaging in criminal activities in order to avert situations where law enforcement would have to use excessive force against them.
“Let us take extra caution and educate our children on the outcome of engaging in criminal activities because it is our responsibility as their parents,” a parent stated.
Nyumba Kumi leaders also called upon the youths affiliated to the gang to surrender the weapons to police officers and turn away from their life in crime.
Nuno’s clip, where he warned families of criminals in Mombasa that they would dig many graves, also attracted support from some Kenyans, who described him as a no-nonsense police officer.
Residents of Nairobi and other jurisdictions where the police boss served lauded the officer for eradicating criminal gangs despite his controversial approach.
“Ali Nuno is not a man who misses on his words. He’s a former Kayole OCPD and now serving as Coast Regional Commander. He has a history of customising his own police to contain armed criminals. Interesting because even as the boss, he’s always doing ground work,” Chris Sambu wrote.
Nonetheless, some Kenyans believe that the gangs can be dealt with without the use of force as long as the community works hand in hand with the security agencies.
