Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has recalled all police officers on leave over security challenges that may be caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
NTV on Friday, March 20, reported that the IG had become wary of the threat posed to both members of the public as well as several businesses during this period.
With many businesses set to be closed, criminals may take advantage of the period to orchestrate vandalism on unguarded premises.
On Sunday, March 15, the Judiciary issued an order suspending hearings of all civil cases. During this period, Chief Justice David Maraga stated that prisoners and those in remand would not be brought to court.
He further directed that all new cases and arrests, except those of a higher magnitude, be dealt with at the police stations in line with the guidelines issued by the inspector general of police.
To this extent, Mutyambai stated that law enforcement officers needed to be at their very best.
While issuing updates on the extent of the Coronavirus pandemic in Kenya on Saturday, March 21, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe issued a number of directives in relation to human safety.
Kagwe directed that to honour the rule of social distancing, public service vehicles (PSV) scale down their passenger capacity by half, so as to minimise further spread of the virus.
"14-seater matatus will carry a maximum of eight passengers; 25-seater vehicles a maximum of 15 passengers, 30 seater vehicles and above to maintain a sixty per cent passenger capacity. When this happens, it is expected that people will adhere to the directions of the PSV operators.
"In other words, there is no point in having eight people and then two people are sitting close together and leaving the other seats open," he warned.
He called upon all stakeholders, especially the police and PSV vehicle owners to adhere to this order. As a result, police officers will be required to enforce the directive and ensure public safety.
The CS further added that all the public service operators were expected to clean and disinfect their vehicles at the end of each trip.
He urged Kenyans to stay at home and minimize travel as much as possible unless they really have to make the trips.
"To reduce the risk of transmission in our public transport systems, we encourage as much as possible that persons stay at home, unless on essential business. PSV operators have already been asked to observe high levels of hygiene," he stated.
Since the directive to employers was issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta to allow employees to work from home, some members of the public have resorted to travelling upcountry, an over the week, there have been reports of road accidents.
Mutyambai informed that police officers will ensure there is stability during this period, and all orders issued by the national government adhered to
