DCI Relocates Officers AfterAzimio Protests
The DCI has transferred fifty-four officers from the Mlolongo and Kitengela Police stations.
Wednesday’s announcement followed anti-government demonstrations organized by the Azimio coalition. During the protests, police in Mlolongo fired and killed at least six individuals, while in Kitengela they killed three. In addition to damaging infrastructure, the protesters engaged in violent activities.
Among the DCI officers who received transfer notices were senior sergeants and thirteen corporals, some of whom intervened when protesters vandalized the Nairobi Expressway and overpowered anti-riot squads.
The memo stated in part, “The officers are expected to report to their new workstations on or before Tuesday, August 1, 2023, where they will receive orders from their superiors.”
The responsibilities of senior sergeants vary by department and jurisdiction but typically include supervising and directing subordinate personnel in the performance of their duties.
This involves designating officers to beats, monitoring their reports, and documenting inefficiencies. They may also discipline officers for poor conduct on the job.
Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director General Amin Mohammed simultaneously transferred 36 police constables who were at the vanguard of quelling the demonstrations.
The officers who were transferred from Mlolongo were stationed in remote North Eastern counties including Turkana, Wajir, and others.
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Similarly, officers operating in these remote locations were transferred to Mlolongo and Kitengela with the same rank and level of responsibility.
Nanyiki, Wajir, Belgut, Turkana, and Kitutu Central provided the officers who were transferred to Mlolongo and Kitengela.
The anti-government demonstrations organized by the Azimio la Umoja coalition from July 19 to July 21, 2023, resulted in at least 27 fatalities and dozens of severe injuries.
Azimio la Umoja claimed that President William Ruto’s decision to sign Finance Bill 2023 into law would result in a significant increase in the cost of living, which spurred the protests.
As a result, demonstrators and police engaged in violent confrontations. In some instances, police dispersed protestors with tear gas and rubber bullets, and there were reports of police brutality. These allegations have been denied by the government.
The protests have had a substantial impact on the economy of the country. Businesses were forced to close, and transportation and other services have been severely disrupted.
Additionally, the government was compelled to deploy thousands of police officers to quell the protests.
DCI Relocates Officers AfterAzimio Protests
