Nairobi police stations will operate under strict guidelines after the escape of deceased self-confessed serial killer Masten Wanjala, exposed loopholes in the police sector.
Wanjala broke free from Jogoo Police Station on Tuesday, October 12, after posing as a curfew offender. He was, however, lynched by a mob in Bungoma County three days later.
Officers privy to the brief told Kenyans.co.ke that Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCSs) were ordered to brief duty officers every morning and evening on the revised guidelines.
“I hope we can see what is happening at Jogoo police station. It will be very disheartening to see one of us falling victim to this. Thus we have to be very cautious of the events happening in our station,” a police boss at one station quoted.
Contractors supplying meals were ordered to prepare and deliver supper before 6 pm and no meals are to be allowed inside the station past the curfew.
No visitors will be allowed to see suspects between 6 pm and 6 am in the morning. Individuals who want to request to see prisoners beyond curfew risk being apprehended and detained.
“Visiting hours shall only be during the day, between 6 am and 6 pm. Anyone seeking to see a prisoner in cells beyond this time should be turned down. The cell door should always be opened by two or more officers,” the brief reads.
Visitors will spend time with the suspect under the strict supervision of cell sentries. These duty officers were ordered to operate in pairs at all times.
Officers were also ordered to ensure that prisoners being escorted to the latrines are heavily guarded by a number of law enforcers.
“There is no time a serious offender will be removed from the cells to perform any task - such as cleaning the station.
“No suspect should stay in the cells for over 24 hours unless ordered by the court,” an excerpt of the brief underlined.
Officers were further ordered to record all events that occur at police stations for reference.
“All prisoners must be thoroughly searched before being put in cells. All contraband must be seized,” the police boss added.
