Mp Nyali Awiti Bolo(Jobo Jobo) has alarmed over the delay in the use of Mombasa county police rapid response vehicles that were donated recently by businessmen.
Bolo said the delay is affecting security operations in the county especially in his Nyali, which has witnessed a surge in crime including, rape, muggings and murder.
At least six women have been raped in the last three weeks, with more than 20 others having incurred injuries in attacks by thugs at night.
“There were free vehicles provided by the business community in Mombasa but the senior police are yet to authorize their use in the county. What is more important, the MOU or our security?” Awiti said at a press conference at the Mamba Village on Sunday.
On Monday, Mombasa county police commander Robert Kitur said the vehicles will start operations this week. Kitur said there has to be a Memorandum of Understanding on how the vehicles will be used.
“The vehicles were bought through the county government but they will be used by the national government as well since security is the function of the national government,” Kitur said.
The county commander said there has to be a clear understanding of who will service the vehicles, fuel them, operate them, and who the operators of the vehicle will report to.
“By tomorrow (today) evening there will be a clear way forward. Call me then,” said Kitur on the phone.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s director of political affairs Idris Abdirahman said Joho, Mombasa county disaster management committee chair Nahid Musa and other county government officials were in Nairobi yesterday to sign the MoU with Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo.
Earlier, Idris said four officers will be in each car – one each from the Mombasa county inspectorate, regular police, AP and the CID.
The five vehicles, which cost about Sh3.1 million each were unveiled in Mombasa late July. Some other 14 vehicles are expected in Mombasa anytime from now.
[Adapted from The Star]