Inspector General (IG) of Police, Japhet Koome, fired a warning shot at criminals while justifying the use of firearms on gangs terrorising Nairobi residents.
Koome stamped authority moments after being sworn into office at the Supreme Court on November 11.
"Anybody charged with committing a felony, murder, or rape attempts to escape, an officer can use a firearm.
"If an officer has arrested someone having committed a felony, then you attempt to rescue that person, the police can use their firearm too." Koome proclaimed.
His directive came moments after Makadara OCPD, Timon Odingo teamed up with the area Director of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Chief Felix Kithuku to apprehend armed men who robbed an Egyptian national around South B on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
"Cases of people being robbed of their money and property by suspects armed with knives have been on the rise along Mombasa Road," Odingo declared.
Hotspots
The OCPD highlighted Capital Hill Business Center towards Belle Vue Stage along Mombasa Road as one of the risky areas for pedestrians.
He also pinpointed the stretch between Bunyala Stage and Nyayo Stadium, which he stated was insecure at night.
Odingo, however, assured residents that police would heighten the level of security in the city.
Earlier on, Nairobi Police Commander, James Mugera refuted reports claiming that the crime rate surged in the city in the past weeks.
Mugera, in an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, November 10, claimed that the reports were doctored to taint President William Ruto's administration.
