Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has ordered all police officers on leave to report to work with immediate effect.
Mr Koome said that due to many issues that surround festive seasons, there was a need to have adequate police force in place to augment the current force that is still at work.
During festivities, the crime rate has always increased. Moreover, the level of recklessness on roads has always been on a steady rise, resulting on fatal road accidents. This is one of the reasons why the officers on leave has been ordered to report to work.
“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. The IG further asked Kenyans to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities to tame any potential criminal activity.
“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 said the vehicular situation this year is further compounded by the ongoing heavy El-Nino rains being experienced in many parts of the Country, which in turn is causing poor visibility on the roads.
“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.
Koome noted that there have already been two major fatal road traffic accidents in which a total of 16 people died in Machakos and Nakuru since last week.
