Nyeri: Security officers in Nyeri County have been ordered to remain vigilant and apprehend any individual or gang of criminals found to be breaching the peace during the festive season. The county Police Commander David Too says the officers will be conducting 24-hour patrols in all eight sub-counties as provided under the operation order in order to enable the members of the public to enjoy Christmas and New Year festivities untroubled.
According to Kenya News Agency, there is already an operation order in place and officers in all the sub-counties have been directed to remain alert in case of any incident that may imperil the harmony of the public. Every sub-county police commander has been mandated to take charge of his area of jurisdiction and ensure that those who interfere with the peaceful coexistence of the people are arrested and charged accordingly. The public is also encouraged to assist in maintaining peace and tranquility during the festive season and to report any criminal elements that may try to disrupt their peace.
Commenting on road safety, Police Commander Too stated that rogue drivers have been put on notice and warned that those found flouting traffic rules will face instant penalties. Additional traffic police officers have been deployed on all roads leading in and out of the county to monitor and crack down on unroadworthy vehicles and those found driving under the influence of alcohol. Police will also be manning mobile courts along the Naromoru-Karatina road and the Nyeri-Othaya route, where traffic offenders will be tried and sentenced.
On Tuesday last week, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja emphasized that the government is leaving nothing to chance in ensuring motorists adhere strictly to the laid-down Highway Code, especially during the festive season. He remarked on the regrettable rise in road accidents in the county and promised a crackdown on rogue drivers to end the carnage. Measures to be taken against traffic offenders will include imposing instant fines, administered through a multi-agency team that includes the Judiciary and the National Transport and Safety Authority.
On Monday last week, the National Council on Administrative Justice (NCAJ), through a special sitting chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, adopted measures for enhancing road safety and traffic management during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Among the measures was the deployment of mobile courts along the highways and charging any driver found violating traffic rules. Statistics presented during the meeting showed an increase in fatalities from road accidents, with 28 people having lost their lives in the first two weeks of this month alone. Kenya loses at least 4,000 people annually through road accidents, with the WHO warning that the figure could be much higher due to underreporting.
