Aasai

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come to the defense of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) amid growing allegations of impunity and abuse of power. Speaking on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, during the relaunch of the refurbished Fichua Kwa DCI call centre at the agency’s headquarters on Kiambu Road, Murkomen dismissed claims that the DCI was a shadowy institution shielding rogue officers. He emphasized that the DCI is a professional, open, and people-centered body operating within the framework of Kenya’s Constitution.

“There’s a lot of propaganda portraying this agency as a secretive force, hiding criminals within its ranks,” Murkomen stated. “But as you can see, all officers are known, publicly introduced, and accountable. This is not a place of darkness but of service.” He spoke in the presence of law enforcement officials and representatives from the United Kingdom government, which partnered with Kenya in upgrading the call centre.

Murkomen stressed that the era of secretive and force-driven policing is over. “Our Constitution clearly demands transparency, accountability, and community service,” he said, noting that law enforcement should be rooted in citizen engagement, not fear. According to the CS, the DCI must reflect the values of a service-oriented institution rather than a militarized or coercive one.

The DCI has in recent months faced widespread criticism from human rights groups and the public for deploying masked officers and using unmarked vehicles during arrests and protest crackdowns. These tactics, often seen during politically charged events, have raised alarms over the agency’s commitment to transparency. The DCI has also been accused of abductions and enforced disappearances — allegations it has repeatedly denied, calling them unfounded and politically motivated.

Murkomen admitted that while the DCI, like any large institution, has had a few isolated incidents involving misconduct, these should not be used to brand the entire agency as rogue. “Yes, there are individual cases that have created fear and damaged trust. But these do not represent the whole service,” he said. He assured the public that the government is committed to identifying and disciplining officers who break the law, while continuing to reform the institution.

The upgraded Fichua Kwa DCI platform is a major step toward increasing public participation in crime prevention. Murkomen announced that the new system now features WhatsApp functionality, enabling Kenyans to report crimes anonymously and securely. “This allows real-time engagement with citizens while ensuring their privacy and safety,” he noted. The platform is backed by advanced servers, power backups, and digital recovery systems to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

DCI Director General Mohamed Amin was praised by the CS for championing reforms and driving the modernization agenda within the agency. Murkomen highlighted the importance of technology and international collaboration in advancing policing standards, pointing to the UK’s role in training officers and enhancing infrastructure.

“The support from the UK is not just financial — it represents a shared commitment to safer societies and professional policing,” Murkomen said. He concluded by urging Kenyans to support the DCI’s efforts and participate actively in the justice system, adding, “When citizens trust and work with the police, we create a stronger, more secure nation.”