Kimaiyo indicated that the public needs to freely turn up and testify against suspects to bolster the charges against them/FILE
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Kimaiyo indicated that the public needs to freely turn up and testify against suspects to bolster the charges against them.
He revealed that many criminals have been released due to lack of evidence and this is to blame for the rising insecurity in the country.
“We are appealing to all the witnesses to come out and give evidence when criminals are taken to court. We need to come out and give enough evidence so that those who commit such acts can be dealt with according to the laws of this land,” he said.
The IG further pointed out that a concerted effort between the police and the public can drastically reduce crime in the country.
“A criminal can only be convicted if there is enough evidence and that can only happen if Kenyans courageously come out to testify especially those who were affected,” he said.
While referring to arrests made in North Eastern Province, Bungoma and Busia, Kimaiyo commended those who came forward though he stressed that more needs to be done.
“I gave out an award of Sh100,000 and it was claimed. We will also continue to encourage members of the public to share information with us. We shall continue to provide the necessary award to assist in reducing incidences of crime,” he said.
He further explained that once the county policing offices are in place, the rate of crime is expected to reduce drastically.
“Soon we are going to establish the county policing authority that will be chaired by the various governors in the 47 counties and they will be looking at incidences of insecurity within the county and this will enable matters of insecurity to be dealt with conclusively,” he said.
Lately there has been a spate of crime across the country with scores of residents being killed and dozens others hospitalised with serious wounds after gangs ambushed and terrorised villagers in separate raids.
The attacks sparked outrage from the public and leaders especially in Bungoma with some demanding the senior officers be transferred for releasing suspects without under questionable circumstances.
Following this, about 600 people were arrested and have been taken to court by the police.
According to Kimaiyo, the situation in the county has since stabilized and the only thing remaining is for those guilty to be convicted.
He explained that the situation was the same in the North Eastern part of the country where about 500 people have also been arrested and over 20 firearms recovered.
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