"Those willing to record police officers in the line of duty should do so ".Sakaja

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says his administration will introduce a policy that seeks to curb cases of harassment of traders by the city’s district inspectorate, commonly referred to as kanjos.

Speaking during the State of the Union address on April 4, the regional chief proposed the introduction of body cameras to curb harassment and attacks on officials by some traders.

“We are introducing a policy for our inspectorate officers to wear body cameras… I am asking our MCAs to support us when we bring this before the house,” Sakaja said.

He claimed that obstruction of his officers by members of the public while on duty would not be tolerated.

“Obstructing government officials in the performance of their mandate is a crime punishable by law and will be dealt with severely. The people of Nairobi confirmed their desire for a city of order. Order will be maintained,” Sakaja said.

He added that those willing to record police officers in the line of duty should do so, ruling out his earlier instructions that those recording them be arrested.

“To set the record straight and to be clear, there is no problem in recording police officers in the performance of their duties if something increases the liability, however what will not be accepted is obstructing or inciting wananchi against them in the performance of their duties. Order will be established and maintained.”

The governor said that despite improvements in the inspectorate sector that have ended battles between vendors and kanjo on the streets, some people are turning against his officers.

“We have had unfortunate incidents where some of our officers have been attacked in the line of duty. This is unacceptable. It will not be tolerated. We have to let our enforcers do their job.”

The governor also said the county will implement an enforcement application platform that will allow officials and residents to communicate.

“The county government has developed an enforcement application that will enable targeted and effective interaction with our clients to promote compliance. The era of district askaris raiding business premises and harassing traders is over. We neither tolerate nor accept it.”

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