IG of Police Kanja warns against bribery, urges officers to be content with their salaries
Kanja emphasised that officers must remain content with their salaries, however small, and focus on executing their mandate within the law.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned police officers against engaging in bribery, urging them to uphold integrity and professionalism in their service to the public.
Speaking in Mombasa on Wednesday during the official launch of the newly constructed Mbaraki Police Station, Kanja emphasised that officers must remain content with their salaries, however small, and focus on executing their mandate within the law.
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"We must abandon the culture of small bribes and be satisfied with the salaries we receive, however little they may be," he said, cautioning that corruption undermines public trust in the police force.
The modern police station, constructed by Mvita area Member of Parliament Mohamed Soud Machele, strategically located near business premises, is expected to ease access to security services for residents who previously had to travel long distances to seek assistance.
Kanja commended the initiative, acknowledging that inadequate police presence had forced locals to walk several kilometres to access a station.
"This facility will bring services closer to the people and ensure they do not have to struggle to find security assistance," he noted.
The IG also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving police welfare, particularly in housing.
He announced that plans were underway to construct modern, affordable police housing across the country to ensure officers work in a conducive environment.
"Police welfare is a top priority. We have started in Nairobi, and once I return, I will meet with the Principal Secretary for Housing to push for more police housing units," he stated.
Kanja urged the locals to work closely with the police officers and vice versa, insisting on the significance of community policing.
The Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja when he opened the newly built Mbaraki Police Station office block in Mvita Constituency, Mombasa City on March 12, 2025. (Photo: NPS)
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat urged the public to collaborate with law enforcement in addressing crime, particularly in tackling drug abuse and the illicit alcohol trade. He warned that the police alone cannot succeed in maintaining law and order without support from the community.
"We are public servants, and the people of Mombasa have entrusted us with this responsibility. Let us work together to ensure safety," he said.
Lagat commended police officers for their efforts and encouraged them to serve with compassion and professionalism to foster better relationships with the public.
The launch of the police station comes at a time when the coastal counties have been grappling with rising cases of violent crime, particularly involving organised criminal gangs.
The Coast Regional Police Commander, Ali Nuno, revealed that crime rates had surged in January, with 526 cases recorded.
To combat this, Nuno detailed a new crime-fighting strategy that involves clustering counties with similar security challenges to streamline resources and enhance operations.
"We have grouped Kwale and Taita Taveta due to their proximity to Tanzania, which is a hotspot for smuggling and human trafficking.
Mombasa, on the other hand, faces serious drug-related challenges, while Tana River and Lamu are critical due to ongoing infrastructure projects like the LAPSSET corridor," he explained.
Nuno also dismissed the notion of "Panga Boys," a term used to describe armed gangs terrorising residents, stressing that such criminals should be classified as robbers or terrorists.
"There is no offence called Panga Boys in Kenya. If someone is armed and committing crimes, they are guilty of robbery with violence, and we will deal with them accordingly," he warned.
Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani assured residents that officers would be on high alert, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, to prevent criminals from taking advantage of increased evening activities around mosques and marketplaces.
"As people go to mosques in the evenings and conduct business at night, we will ensure they are safe. Criminals must not take advantage of this holy month," he affirmed.
According to Mvita MP Mohamed Machele, he built the police station following numerous requests from members of the public and police officers.
Mohamed acknowledged the role of law enforcement in securing the county but urged officers to uphold professionalism.
He criticised instances where officers extorted money from innocent citizens and called for a police force that respects the law and the rights of citizens.
"Some officers forget that we, as elected leaders, represent the people. When a citizen is arrested and tries to contact their leader, police officers ignore their calls," he lamented.
Mohamed also called for improved police logistics, revealing that he had written to the Principal Secretary for Interior to request vehicles for the Mbaraki and Tononoka police stations.
Ganjoni MCA Priscilla Mumba echoed similar sentiments, warning criminals that Mombasa must reclaim its reputation as a safe and hospitable city.
She urged residents not to shield wrongdoers and to work closely with the police.
"Mombasa is a tourist city, but crime is ruining its reputation. Let us work with the police to restore order," she said, warning that she would not intervene if criminals were arrested.
With the establishment of the Mbaraki Police Station, authorities are optimistic that security will improve, fostering better relations between law enforcement and the community.
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