This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
On August 20, 2019, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i led a reshuffle of top security bosses in Kenya's coastal region, a move aimed at intensifying the war on narcotics.
The reshuffle affected Coast Regional Police Commander Marcus Ocholla, County Police Commander Johnston Ipara, and County Commissioner Evans Achoki.
Mr. Ocholla, who had served as the coast region commander for only 8 months, was replaced by Rashid Yakub, the current Western Region Police Boss from the Administration Police (AP) unit.
Mr. Ipara, who had been leading a search at wanted drug trafficking suspect Ali Punjani's palatial residence, was moved to Uasin Gishu to take over from Mr. Augustine Nthumbi.
Mr. Achoki, who had served as the Mombasa county security committee chairman for close to four years, was also moved to Marsabit County.
A source stated that the reshuffle comes amid failure by the senior security officials to deal with the increased narcotics menace.
“Last week's raids have been seen as some hullabaloo because not a single big person was taken to court and charged over the drugs-related case,” a source told media.
CS Matiang'i had visited the coast five days after a terror gang attack in Bamburi, which he said was influenced by drugs trafficking. He stated that drugs were responsible for the increase of killer gangs terrorising the residents.
At least 13 people were injured during the Bamburi attack.
