NAIROBI Kenya, Nov 30 – Major changes are expected at the police Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) following Monday’s order by President Mwai Kibaki.
Sources at police headquarters told Capital News that a meeting was held early Tuesday to discuss the impending changes which will mainly include a major reshuffle of most officers currently attached to it.
Though there was no immediate statement from Vigilance House, the sources said the meeting had also resolved to have more officers deployed to the anti narcotics department in order to increase its capacity in fighting drug trafficking in the country.
Police Spokesman Erick Kiraithe was not immediately available for comment over the impending changes, but in an earlier interview he had said the force was determined to fight drug trafficking and called for the public’s support.
“The commissioner of police is very much committed to fight drug trafficking, our officers will take stern legal action against any one found trafficking drugs,” he said.
“We know the effects of drug trafficking and we can not hesitate to take action against anyone irrespective of his or her status,” Mr Kiraithe had said.
On Monday, State House issued a statement saying President Kibaki had ordered the police chief to restructure and strengthen the anti narcotics department and ensure anyone found trafficking in drugs is arrested and prosecuted.
There have been widespread accusations against the police department for failing to take action on known drug barons and shielding some, mainly high ranking government officials, businessmen and politicians.
A report tabled in Parliament recently particularly accused the former Police Commissioner Mohammed Hussein Ali and the Commandant of the Kenya Police College, Kiganjo Peter Kavila of frustrating drug trafficking-related investigations in the past.
Police headquarters has however defended the two and accused a former police officer Godana Jarsa, who made the accusations, of being dishonest.
The report was tabled in Parliament last week by Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara who has announced plans to name the drug lords in the House.
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