Unauthorised police stations will not be tolerated - IG of Police Kanja
Recently, a 26-year-old trader and political activist, Collins Leitich, alias Chepkulei, came under scrutiny for setting up an unauthorised police patrol base in the Cherus centre of Kesses, Uasin Gishu County.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has condemned the unauthorised establishment of police stations, warning that those responsible will face legal consequences.
Speaking on Wednesday in Mvita, Mombasa County, during the official commissioning of the Mbaraki Police Station, Kanja emphasised that proper public participation is required before setting up a police station and must adhere to legal procedures.
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"It is wrong to open a police station without following due process. Residents can engage in public participation through their leadership, after which the matter is forwarded to sub-county police heads before reaching my office. This is the proper procedure," Kanja said.
His remarks come amid reports of individuals setting up makeshift police facilities without the approval of the National Police Service.
Recently, a 26-year-old trader and political activist, Collins Leitich, alias Chepkulei, came under scrutiny for setting up an unauthorised police patrol base in the Cherus centre of Kesses, Uasin Gishu County.
Leitich allegedly converted a rented building into the Cheboror Patrol Base, painting it in National Police Service colours and equipping it with detention cells and offices.
Kanja reaffirmed that the National Police Service is committed to ensuring structured law enforcement.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has clarified the situation about the man who opened a police station in Uasin Gishu. He said that proper public participation is required before setting up a police station and emphasised that the man must adhere to legal procedures. pic.twitter.com/Q6is6zTsvg
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) March 12, 2025
While in Mombasa, he lauded the construction of the Mbaraki Police Station, which was funded through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). He expressed optimism that the facility would improve security and enhance access to police services for residents.
Community policing
"We must strengthen community policing. Citizens and police officers should work together. Let us remember that police officers serve the public, and their salaries come from taxpayers," he said.
The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja speaks to journalists after he opened the newly built Mbaraki Police Station office block in Mvita Constituency, Mombasa City on March 12, 2025. (Photo: NPS)
Addressing concerns over police housing conditions, he assured officers that discussions were ongoing with the Housing Ministry to integrate them into the affordable housing programme.
"The issue of officers' living conditions has been noted. We will continue working to improve their work environment so they can serve the public better," he said.
The Inspector General also commented on recent criminal incidents in Nairobi following President William Ruto's visit, assuring the public that those caught on camera stealing from citizens would face legal action.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat condemned crime and drug peddling in Mombasa, warning that authorities would not relent in the fight against illicit substances.
"We will not allow our children to be destroyed by drugs. The fight against illicit alcohol and narcotics must continue until they are completely eradicated," he said.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno revealed that 526 criminal cases were recorded in January compared to 574 in December in the region. He outlined a multi-agency strategy to combat crime, particularly in drug trafficking hotspots.
"In Kenya, there is no offence called 'Panga Boys.' If someone is armed, they are guilty of robbery with violence, and we will deal with them accordingly," Ali said, referencing criminal gangs operating in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale.
Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele hailed the new police station's strategic location but urged officers to uphold integrity and avoid extorting residents.
"Police must operate with ethics and integrity. 'Utumishi kwa Wote' means justice for all," he said.
He condemned the practice of officers demanding bribes from residents, citing cases where individuals arrested for minor offenses are forced to pay large sums or have their mobile money accounts accessed unlawfully. He called for cooperation between residents, Nyumba Kumi officials and the police to enhance security.
Ganjoni MCA Priscilla Mumba raised concerns over rising crime and warned that she would not intervene on behalf of criminals.
"Do not seek me out to bail out offenders. We must restore order so that residents can feel safe walking at night," she said.
Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani assured residents that Mbaraki Police Station was well-equipped and strategically positioned to serve the business community effectively.
"This station strengthens our partnership with the community. We will increase police presence, especially during Ramadhan, to protect worshippers and traders," he said.
He noted that Mbaraki is now the fourth police station in the area, alongside Central, Tononoka and Makupa, and that adequate personnel have been deployed to enhance security.
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