Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has proposed the branding of Subaru vehicles used by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in apprehending criminals.
On Friday, December 6, Thang’wa said that branding DCI Subarus would enhance the credibility of the detectives, further ensuring that they are easily identifiable to foster trust during operations.
According to him, it reduces the risk of criminals impersonating law enforcement and strengthens public cooperation. “For the public, branded vehicles provide reassurance, promote transparency, and protect civilians from imposters,” Thang’wa said.
In his view, the branding of the DCI Subarus also aligns with global best practices for law enforcement officers and acts as a sign of accountability.
The Senator revealed that he would soon front a bill proposing the amendment of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the Traffic Act, and the Public Order Act.
He said the amendments would include provisions to compel all DCI operational vehicles to be visibly branded with the DCI logo, contact details and unique identification numbers.
“That way, when stopped by a branded vehicle or Subaru, you will confidently comply with officers of the law. But when approached by an unmarked Subaru, do everything you can to stay safe,” the Senator commented.
Karungo Wa Thang’a attributed his decision to a surge in cases of abduction in Kenya which he claimed were perpetrated by armed men who mostly use unmarked Subaru vehicles.
The lawmaker further revealed that he held a conversation with the DCI officers who informed him that not all Subarus belonged to detectives and that vehicles used by sleuths were not for abduction but for arrests.
"This got me thinking about ways to 'help' them execute their mandate professionally while earning public trust by ensuring they move around in clearly branded vehicles," the legislator remarked.
Karungo proposed the changes moments after a meeting with detectives at the DCI Headquarters located along the Kiambu Road. The Senator visited the premises after being summoned over the recent violence witnessed in Lumuru during a funeral attended by Rigathi Gachagua.
While Karungo Wa Thang'wa heeded the summon, the lawmaker declined to provide any details about the incident to the DCI officers despite spending about ten hours grilling.
