Undercover police, special units to be deployed to enhance security during festivities

Undercover officers and specialised units will be deployed to assist regular police to intensify patrols during festivities, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has said.

Additionally, the police boss said they will also utilize formed police units such as General Service Unit, Anti-Stock Theft Unit, Border Patrol Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit to enhance security.

“Kenyans should expect to see more police presence and visibility as we have deployed more specialised units to strengthen patrols, heighten both ground and aerial surveillance in major towns, borders, places of worship, shopping malls and critical infrastructural areas,” Mr Kanja said.

Kanja said the deployment was informed by the expected heightened activities including public gatherings, shopping, and high vehicular traffic on roads due to increased movement of Kenyans across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing on police preparedness ahead of the Christmas and New Year festive season, the IG further said security patrols along major highways will be increased.

“The multi-agency strategy will involve collaboration with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to conduct crackdowns and road safety compliance checks on major highways and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to prevent corruption on the roads,” said the police chief.

Kanja said road traffic accidents are still a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the country majorly caused by non-compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

This year, there has been an increase in road traffic accidents. 3,681 fatal accidents were recorded from January to November compared to the 3,469 fatal accidents recorded the same period in 2023, marking a six per cent increase.

A total of 20,239 victims of road traffic accidents were recorded in 2023 compared with 21,600 victims recorded in 2024, an increase of about seven per cent.

This year, 182 more people died in road accidents with fatalities reported at 4,282 in 2024 compared to the 4,090 people who lost their lives as a result of road carnage in 2023.

“These are not just statistics but human lives which have been adversely affected as a result of road carnage. And in this regard, we are appealing to all motorists to approach the festive season with a changed behaviour, with a common purpose to reduce road carnage,” Kanja said. 

“In our operational plan, we have deployed additional traffic police officers on the roads to ensure free flow of traffic,” Kanja said.

The police boss urged road users to comply with traffic rules and regulations by avoiding operating unroadworthy motor vehicles, failure to use safety belts, over speeding, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and careless driving.

“We also appeal to the owners of motor vehicles and bodaboda Saccos to collaborate with our officers to enhance discipline among the riders,” Kanja said.

Similarly, Kanja said police have intensified the war on illicit brews and drug abuse. He said all police officers who are currently on leave were recalled to resume duty with immediate effect.

 “We call upon the general 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,” said the IG.

Jmutura@standardmedia.co.ke