‘Obstructing officers executing their constitutional mandate is a serious criminal offence’- DCI warns Kenyans


The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has raised the alarm following an incident which went viral in the Kiamanyeki area of Mwea East where officers were almost overpowered and blocked from conducting an arrest.

The incident happened on Sunday, January 12, 2025, when Kirinyaga Central detectives were deployed to pursue a person of interest linked to a robbery case with violence.

After tracking him, the officers drove to the area to flush out the person of interest and apprehend him.

A crime scene tape barrier. Image used for representation purposes only. PHOTO/PexelsA crime scene tape barrier. Image used for representation purposes only. PHOTO/Pexels
A crime scene tape barrier. Image used for representation purposes only. PHOTO/Pexels

However, detectives were attacked by a rowdy mob who threatened to set ablaze their vehicle.

“A rowdy mob, however, pooled forces and attacked the officers who were onboard a government vehicle registration no. KBZ 684Y, threatening to set it ablaze should they not release the suspect,” DCI’s statement read in part.

“Thanks to a back up by the local police, area chief and Nyumba Kumi heads, who prevailed over the tense situation and facilitated the taking into custody of the dangerous suspect,” it added.

Warning to Kenyans

Following the incident, DCI warned the members of the public against blocking lawful arrests. In a statement, DCI maintained that obstructing the officers is a criminal offence.

“The DCI cautions members of the public that obstructing police officers in the course of executing their constitutional mandate is a serious criminal offence, and much worse is any attempt to aid the escape of a criminal offender or prisoner,” DCI cautioned the public.

Handcuffs. Photo used for illustration purposes. PHOTO/Kindel Media/PexelsHandcuffs. Photo used for illustration purposes. PHOTO/Kindel Media/Pexels
Photo used for illustration purposes. PHOTO/Kindel Media/Pexels

“Equally, posing imminent threat to life or property of any person is not justifiable under any legal parameters, and will be met with the full force of the law.”

The reaction from residents of the Kiamanyeki area of Mwea East came after a series of abductions in the country raising concern among citizens.

With some of the victims narrating that they were picked with vehicles which did not bear official government emblems, the public turned alert to protect themselves after the National Police Service absolved themselves from the issue of abductions.





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