And as he took the oath of office in front of Chief Justice Willy Mutunga to become Kenya’s first Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo made this the outstanding pledge of his four-year non-renewable term.
He warned criminals, drug dealers, carjackers, kidnappers, criminal gangs and terrorists that they have “nowhere to hide and you cannot win. We shall hunt you and bring you to book.”
His appointment comes at a time when the country is facing major security threats especially from the Al Shabaab militia who have terrorized and maimed a number of Kenyans by use of explosives.
Kimaiyo, who is a career police officer having risen through the ranks to serve as Presidential Escort Unit Commander, General Service Unit Commandant and Director of Operations at Police Headquarters, promised to serve all Kenyans fairly and improve police welfare.
Until his appointment to the new post, he has been the Director of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Kimaiyo assured Kenyans that under his watch, security will be enhanced to ensure that Kenyans exercise tolerance.
“I assure all Kenyans that the security of each individual will be taken care of under my regime,” said Kimaiyo.
Kimaiyo will also encounter the challenge of containing violence that has rocked several parts of the country.
The newly sworn-in IG hit the ground running saying that the next two months will be critical in laying the ground for provision for proper security ahead of the March 4 polls.
“I assure all Kenyans that the National Police Service shall deal very firmly with any person who will attempt to sabotage the holding of peaceful; elections in Kenya. We shall not tolerate any acts of violence during this important period,” he said.
The IG hinted that he may re-deploy officers from VIP protection and clerical work at stations.