This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
On August 12, 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi warned of tough action in the coastal region of Kenya, notorious for crime and drug trafficking.
Just a day later, the Officer in Charge of Lamu Police Station and three junior officers were arrested for facilitating the release of a suspected drug trafficker.
According to Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai, the suspect was arrested by a team of officers from the Border Patrol Unit but was released under suspicious circumstances.
"We want to know under which circumstances he was released because they claim he escaped," Mutyambai said, "that explanation is very suspicious in itself."
Two officers from the Border Patrol Unit who had effected the arrest were summoned to write statements as officials mulled an administrative action against the officers in custody.
"We are now looking for the suspect who escaped," Mutyambai said.
CS Matiangi had earlier warned that there would be tough action in the region, and his words were echoed by Wangui Muchiri, a Spokeswoman for the ministry, who said, "The CS made it clear that there will be tough action not just talk, you will see more in the coming days."
During a tour of Mombasa, Matiangi linked the recent attacks in Kisauni, where 13 people were hacked by knife-wielding criminals, to the movement of drugs.
"We are aware of some political leaders who are attempting to incite the youth under the guise of political mobilization. I'm sure Kenyans no longer want to hear tough talk; they want results, and rest assured we will deliver as expected," he said.
