Nairobi Governor Sakaja on Monday, November 14, met with Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome amidst uproar from city residents over surging cases of mugging and crime in the capital.
The meeting which took place at Jogoo House in Nairobi saw the two agree on a raft of resolutions in a bid to tame the runaway crime in the city.
Among the proposed changes are; operationalising of the Nairobi City County Policing Authority, and the Traffic and Safety Committee; an ultimatum of a one-month notice on youth and gangs involved in crime to return illegal firearms in their possession.
Koome, while addressing the media, further announced that they had agreed on various policing issues.
"The governor has committed himself that he is going to make the Nairobi City County Policing Authority operational, as soonest possible, this is anchored in law, in the Police Act and its authority according to the national police act the governor is the chairperson," Koome, who is a few days old in office stated.
Members of the Authority will include; the County Police Commander(CPC), County Criminal Investigative Directorate Commander(CCIDC) National Intelligence Service Coordinator within the city, two elected MCAs nominated by the county assembly, women and youth, PWDs, Community based Organisations, Faith-based, Business Communities and representation from all constituencies in Nairobi.
The IG welcomed the move terming it a game changer in restoring security in the county, which has become an eyesore.
Another resolution made was the operationalization of the Traffic and Safety Committee to help in the management of traffic.
Police IG warned that they will not allow thugs to hide behind the governor when caught in the act and that they will face the full wrath of the police service.
" We are giving those in possession of illegal firearms a one-month notice to return those illegal firearms in their hold, those involved in illegal dumping too will be dealt with firmly," Koome reiterated.
On his part, Governor Sakaja talked about his plans to restore order in the city adding that he will not defend anyone caught breaking the law.
“Nairobi is an admired and important commercial hub across the globe. We must restore order and dignity since as a county, we care about the safety and security of the 5 million plus residents of Nairobi. We have structures in place including surveillance cameras and the County Askaris working hand in hand with the police to restore the deteriorating security situation,” Governor Sakaja stated.
The governor had on Sunday, November 13, at AIPCA church Dandora, urged parents to counsel their youth against engaging in crime, as the law would inevitably catch up with them.
The governor further expressed concern about the engagement of Boda Boda operators in crime.
He stated the operators will have to register in transport groups which will be allocated specific stages to pick up, drop and wait for passengers.
“We are ready to support organised youth with many opportunities but crime is a big no. Mugging and stabbing people must stop. The county government will play its role to support the police in maintaining security,” Sakaja said.
