This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
As the festive season approaches, Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai has taken measures to ensure public safety by cancelling annual leave for more than 5,000 officers.
According to an internal memo sent to all police commanders on Tuesday, Mutyambai directed that all officers on leave report back to their stations immediately.
“Inform all officers under your respective commands that annual leave has been suspended until further notice,” the memo stated.
The move follows concerns that criminal gangs might stage attacks during the festive season, prompting police to plan major operations across the country from next week.
These operations will include traffic enforcement to reduce road carnage, with a focus on areas such as Mombasa, which has seen recent attacks by criminal gangs, and regions near the Kenya-Uganda border that have been targeted by the Al Shabaab terrorist group.
“You will see more operations in all places. This is aimed at thwarting any criminal plans,” said an informed officer who wished to remain anonymous.
