Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji wants Kenyan traffic police officers provided with body cameras.
In a letter to Inspector-General of Police Hilary Mutyambai, Haji argues that the cameras will come in handy in investigations into cases of traffic violations. Haji made the proposal following uproar over traffic charges being pressed against excess passengers traveling in public service vehicles (PSVs) during the festive season.
In the letter, DPP Haji says excess passengers should first be asked to alight and can only be charged if they ignore the orders from a traffic cop, driver or conductor of the PSV.
“It will be in my view, difficult, to gather enough evidence to demonstrate that an excess passenger refused to comply with the order of a police officer or declined a request by the owner, conductor and/or driver not to enter the PSV. In most cases, it will be the word of the police officer against that of the passenger,” noted Haji in the letter.
“Further, to assist in maintaining law and order on the road, to reduce police excesses, to assist in case of violations, to support investigations and to mitigate any possible corruption, it may be prudent to consider providing officers assigned traffic duties with body cameras.”
He added: “Separately, note that prosecutors have been directed to exercise great caution while making the decision to charge. The same must meet the required evidential threshold test as well as the public interest test.”
Excellent idea. Transparency…
Excellent idea. Transparency International ranks Kenya number 144 on Corruption Perceptions Index(CPI) with Kenya Police being the most corrupt institution. All Kenyan Police, not just traffic police, should be equipped with body cameras to monitor their activities. Kenya should also create an independent agency to review recorded data in those cameras
That’s a noble idea.. they…
That’s a noble idea.. they are very cheap but I wonder if that can fly in Kenya at this day and age! Fight will be over tender… and goons that will loose easy money… nice try Mr Haji
Excellent idea. That will…
Excellent idea. That will curb traffic corruption a notch..✓✓
@ Just me, I agree with you…
@ Just me, I agree with you that it will curb traffic corruption a notch,but rest assured,these crooked cops will device away to circumvent the “efficacy” of these cameras.For example they could have their comrade in crime do the talking for them off the camera…
If only the public refuse to bribe the police, these corruptions will go away.But who wants to be the sacrificial lamb?Collectively we can slay the head of this devil.
Now this is a public servant…
Now this is a public servant with progressive ideas.Un like the other deputy who wants female cops to do away with hair extenders and other fancy hair styles.