This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
On December 26, 2019, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji wrote to Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai, urging him to equip traffic police officers with body cameras.
The move comes after public outcry over traffic charges being brought against passengers in Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) during the festive season.
According to the Traffic Act, drivers, conductors, and owners of PSVs that carry excess passengers can be fined up to Ksh.20,000, with an additional Ksh.5,000 for each excess passenger.
However, DPP Haji clarified that excess passengers should first be asked to disembark, and only charged if they refuse to comply with the order of a police officer or the PSV owner, driver, or conductor.
"It will be difficult to gather enough evidence to prove that an excess passenger refused to comply with a police officer's order," noted the DPP.
He added that body cameras would help maintain law and order, reduce police excesses, and support investigations, while also mitigating corruption.
Separately, prosecutors have been directed to exercise caution when deciding to charge, ensuring that the evidence meets the required threshold and public interest test.
