Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has confirmed that three police units will remain in government houses, despite President’s Uhuru Kenyatta’s orders that allowed the officers to move to civilian settlements.
The 20,000 officers include 6,000 from the Border Police Unit, 8,260 from the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit and 5,000 from the Anti-stock Theft Unit.
According to Matiang’i, the three units had crucial roles that required fast and coordinated deployments that would not be possible if the officers were scattered.
The also pointed out that it would be crucial for the units to be centrally placed in case of emergency situations that called for prompt action.
“There are certain officers providing critical services who will have to stay in particular places,” Matiang’i stated.
‘Can you imagine, if, for example, we scattered the Recce, which provides security for the President, and told them to look for houses in places they please. When we need them, where will we look for them?” Matiang’i asked, adding that such an arrangement wouldn’t work.
The Critical Infrastructure Police Unit (CIPU) is tasked with protection against crucial damage and degradation to infrastructure in Kenya. The infrastructure ranges from electricity, roads, banks, and airports.
The Border police unit patrols and protect remote sections of the Kenyan borders against bandit and terror attacks. In August 2018, camels were introduced to the unit to aid in patrolling and alerting officers of incoming danger.
The Anti-Stock Theft unit, on the other hand, prevent and investigate stock theft cases including cattle rustling and banditry.
Matiang’i addressed the issue during the signing of a memorandum of understanding seeking to the build houses for officers in the banking sector at the Central Bank Of Kenya.