Ministers set to be hit by ban on sirens

A directive for the impounding of vehicles illegally using sirens and strobe lights will be extended to Cabinet Secretaries and other top government officers.

“Effective now, all vehicles must be impounded, even if they are Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Governors. They must be grounded forthwith. Except the categories that are identified by the law, this is an order I have issued to all commanders,” acting Inspector-General of Police Samuel Arachi said on Thursday.

Also targeted will be cars used by private security firms and funeral hearses.

Another directive from Interior Secretary Joseph Nkaissery that traffic offenders be prosecuted at distant courts will be implemented to the letter because traffic laws have “no jurisdiction,” Mr Arachi said.

This means that those arrested in Nairobi for flouting traffic laws might have to answer to their charges in Kisumu or even Mandera law courts.

The acting IG said he expected his commanders to have impounded all the vehicles violating the laws.

The fittings are only allowed on police cars and other emergency service vehicles, which are ambulances and fire engines.

Other vehicles allowed to have the fittings are the security escorts for the President and Deputy President.

Mr Arachi spoke at the National Police Service Staff College in Loresho.

Maj Gen (rtd) Nkaissery’s directive was aimed at influential personalities who travelled in convoys using chase cars fitted with strobe lights and sirens to clear traffic for them.

Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko and controversial Nairobi businessman Paul Kobia were exposed as some of the people who had fitted their vehicles with sirens.

A week before, Mr Sonko’s entourage, including a black chase car with a blaring siren, entered the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, causing a stir.

Misuse of sirens, Mr Arachi added, could lead to contempt by the public and eventually make motorists stop giving way in emergency situations.