MOMBASA, Kenya – Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued a stern warning against individuals establishing unauthorized police stations, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and will attract legal consequences.
Speaking in Mvita, Mombasa County, during the commissioning of the Mbaraki Police Station, Kanja stressed that the establishment of police facilities must follow proper procedures, including public participation and approval from the National Police Service (NPS).
“It is wrong to open a police station without following due process,” Kanja said. “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.”
Hiyo ni makosa’, IG Douglas Kanja warns against unauthorised police stations
Kanja’s remarks come in the wake of reports of individuals setting up makeshift police posts without official authorization.
One recent case involves 26-year-old Collins Leitich, alias Chepkulei, a trader and political activist in Uasin Gishu County, who allegedly converted a rented building into an unauthorized police patrol base in Kesses.
Leitich reportedly painted the structure in NPS colors and equipped it with detention cells and offices.
His actions have raised concerns about security breaches and the potential misuse of such unauthorized police setups.
While in Mombasa, the IG also emphasized the importance of community policing, calling for closer collaboration between officers and residents.
“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.
Addressing police welfare, Kanja acknowledged concerns about officers’ living conditions and assured them that discussions with the Housing Ministry were ongoing to integrate them into the affordable housing program.
“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 stated.
The visit to Mombasa also saw security officials addressing crime trends in the region.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno reported a slight drop in criminal cases, with 526 recorded in January compared to 574 in December.
Nuno highlighted a multi-agency strategy to tackle crime, particularly drug trafficking, which remains a major concern in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale.
“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,” Nuno stated, referring to criminal gangs operating in the region.
Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele lauded the establishment of the Mbaraki Police Station but urged officers to uphold ethics and integrity.
He condemned cases of police officers demanding bribes from residents, saying, “Police must operate with ethics and integrity. ‘Utumishi kwa Wote’ means justice for all.”
Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani assured residents that the new Mbaraki Police Station was well-equipped and strategically located to enhance security for the business community.
“This station strengthens our partnership with the community. We will increase police presence, especially during Ramadhan, to protect worshippers and traders,” he said.
The station becomes the fourth in the area, alongside Central, Tononoka, and Makupa, with adequate personnel deployed to improve security.
