This is the procedure: IG Kanja advises as he warns on illegal police stations
What you need to know:
- Speaking in Mvita, Mombasa County during the official commissioning of the Mbaraki Police Station on Wednesday, Mr Kanja reaffirmed the National Police Service's commitment to structured law enforcement.
- “It is wrong to open a police station without following due process. Residents can engage in public participation through their leadership, after which the matter is forwarded to sub-county police heads before reaching my office. This is the proper procedure,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has cautioned the public against establishing police stations without following due procedure.
Coming hot on the heels of reports about an illegal police station in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County, and a holding cell in Kakamega, Mr Kanja stressed that all security infrastructure must adhere to the required legal framework.
Speaking in Mvita, Mombasa County during the official commissioning of the Mbaraki Police Station on Wednesday, Mr Kanja reaffirmed the National Police Service's commitment to structured law enforcement.
“It is wrong to open a police station without following due process. Residents can engage in public participation through their leadership, after which the matter is forwarded to sub-county police heads before reaching my office. This is the proper procedure,” he said.
The Mbaraki police station was constructed through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
This comes days after a 26-year-old trader and political activist, Collins Leitich, alias Chepkulei, was on the spot for setting up an unauthorised police patrol base in the Cherus centre of Kesses, Uasin Gishu County.
The newly opened Mbaraki Police Station which was officially launched by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja (centre) on March 12, 2025 in Mombasa County.
Mr Leitich, a resident of Asis Village in Ndugulu Location, reportedly established the Cheboror Patrol Base by painting a rented building in official National Police Service colors, complete with detention cells and offices.
In Mombasa, Mr Kanja expressed optimism that the new Mbaraki police station would improve security and ease access to police services for residents.
He further emphasised the need for community participation in security matters, urging residents to collaborate with the police to enhance safety.
“We must strengthen community policing, citizens and police officers should work together. Let us remember that police officers serve the public, and their salaries come from taxpayers,” he stated.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja speaks in Mvita during the official commissioning of the Mbaraki Police Station on March 12, 2025 in Mombasa County.
Addressing concerns over police housing conditions, the IG assured officers that discussions were ongoing with the Housing Ministry to integrate them into the affordable housing programme.
“The issue of officers’ living conditions has been noted. We will continue working to improve their work environment so they can serve the public better,” he said.
He also addressed recent criminal incidents in Nairobi following President William Ruto’s visit, assuring the public that perpetrators caught on camera stealing from citizens would face legal action.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat castigated those involved in crime and drug peddling in Mombasa.
“We will not allow our children to be destroyed by drugs. The fight against illicit alcohol and narcotics must continue until they are completely eradicated,” he said.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno provided crime statistics, revealing that 526 cases were recorded in January compared to 574 in December in the region.
He outlined a multi-agency strategy to combat crime, particularly in drug trafficking hotspots.
“In Kenya, there is no offence called ‘Panga Boys’. If someone is armed, they are guilty of robbery with violence, and we will deal with them accordingly,” Mr Nuno asserted, referencing notorious criminal gangs operating in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale.
Mvita MP Mohamed Soud Machele hailed the new police station’s strategic location but urged officers to uphold integrity and avoid extorting residents.
“Police must operate with ethics and integrity. ‘Utumishi kwa Wote’ means justice for all,” he said.
He condemned the practice of officers demanding bribes from residents, citing instances where individuals arrested for minor offenses are forced to pay large sums or have their mobile money accounts accessed unlawfully.
He called for cooperation between the residents, Nyumba Kumi officials, and the police in combating crimes in the area.
Ganjoni MCA Priscilla Mumba raised concerns over rising crime and warned that she would not intervene on behalf of criminals.
“Do not seek me out to bail out offenders. We must restore order so that residents can feel safe walking at night,” she said.
Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani assured residents that Mbaraki Police Station was well-equipped and strategically positioned to serve the business community effectively.
“This station strengthens our partnership with the community. We will increase police presence, especially during Ramadhan, to protect worshippers and traders,” he said.
He noted that Mbaraki is now the fourth police station in the area, alongside Central, Tononoka, and Makupa, and that adequate personnel have been deployed to enhance security.