Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a Cold Case Unit in a determined bid to crack decades-old murder cases that remain unresolved.
The specialized unit, operating under the Homicide Unit, will work exclusively on unsolved killings, giving new hope to victims’ families.
The announcement comes as murder rates in Kenya see a troubling uptick. Between August and October this year, 339 murder cases were recorded, compared to 336 during the same period in 2023.
These numbers add to an annual average of more than 3,000 homicides in recent years.
To support the initiative, the DCI’s Homicide Unit has moved to a new office at Nairobi Area Regional Headquarters, away from its former base at Mazingira House on Kiambu Road. This strategic shift is aimed at improving operations and focus.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin revealed the Cold Case Unit’s mission is to breathe new life into long-forgotten investigations. “We aim to ensure all these cases are actively investigated and solved,” he said.
The Homicide Unit will also expand, with 50 new officers expected to join the ranks. Additionally, a Missing Persons Unit (MPU) has been formed to tackle cases of disappearances by collaborating with police, hospitals, and mortuaries.
The move is part of a broader overhaul, as the DCI seeks to combat Kenya’s rising murder cases with state-of-the-art forensic labs and better resources. The new units, it is hoped, will also bolster public trust in the justice system.
With families waiting for justice for years, officials are optimistic
