The officer, who serves as a deputy OCS at Makueni Police Station, was found at the Bunyala Roundabout in Madaraka Sub-County conducting unauthorized traffic duties, to the astonishment of nearby onlookers.
Officers from the Industrial Area Police Station took the officer into custody for violating the National Police Service Act, which strictly prohibits officers from carrying out such duties while on leave or in stations outside their jurisdiction.
According to sources, the officer began his leave on October 18, 2024, but appeared in full Persian blue uniform at Bunyala Roundabout just five days later, equipped with a communication device assigned to the Tourist Police Unit. This action, deemed a serious breach of police regulations, raises concerns about procedural and regulatory compliance within law enforcement.
The National Police Service Act and additional police laws in Kenya outline stringent policies for officers’ conduct, including when and where they are permitted to exercise specific duties.
In Kenya, only officially assigned traffic officers can conduct traffic regulation and enforcement duties. As a standard practice, officers with general police training are first recruited and then undergo further specialized instruction before being qualified to serve within the traffic police unit.
The deputy OCS’s arrest underscores these strict mandates and highlights the specialized role that traffic officers play. Under Kenyan law, a police officer who is not designated as part of the traffic police unit lacks the authority to manage or regulate traffic, regardless of the location or scenario. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho reiterated this, stating,
“Traffic duties are exclusive to officers who are trained and assigned to the traffic police unit. Unauthorized engagement by non-traffic officers constitutes a violation of police protocol and subjects the officer to disciplinary measures.”
Once taken into custody, the officer was handed over to the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) of Kathonzweni and escorted back to the Makueni County police headquarters. There, he was placed in holding at the Makueni Police Station, awaiting a formal disciplinary review and further investigation. The National Police Service issued a statement confirming the detention, noting,
“The officer, though on leave, engaged in duties restricted to traffic police personnel, which contravenes both the Police Act and unit-specific responsibilities.”
The unusual case has sparked discussions on the boundaries and roles assigned to officers within the National Police Service. By clearly defining which tasks fall under traffic police duties, the law helps maintain a well-structured operational framework within law enforcement, ensuring that the public and fellow officers can trust in a consistent and lawful approach to police responsibilities.
Traffic regulation is a fundamental aspect of law enforcement that requires rigorous training and clear authorization. Officers typically undergo several months of training focused specifically on road safety, traffic law, and enforcement protocols.
This specialized training is meant to ensure that officers understand the intricacies of managing Kenya’s roadways safely and effectively. The National Police Service’s swift action in apprehending the deputy OCS underscores its commitment to ensuring that every officer abides by their designated roles and the regulatory framework governing the service.
Currently, the deputy OCS remains in remand, and disciplinary proceedings are underway to determine the extent of his penalty. The investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of following designated responsibilities within the police force, as adherence to these rules is critical in upholding the integrity and order of law enforcement in Kenya.
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