Amin Mohamed: New DCI Boss Who Helped Arrest Nancy Baraza

The director of the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) Amin Mohamed Ibrahim is the new Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The announcement was revealed in a gazette notice dated Friday, October 14 and signed by President William Ruto.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 30 of National Police Service Act,2011, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander in chief of the Defense Forces appoint Amin Mohamed Ibrahim to be the Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)," the notice read in part.

Ibrahim emerged as the best pick out of 10 candidates who were shortlisted by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to take up the top post at the DCI.

Amin Ibrahim Mohamed was appointed the new DCI boss on Friday, October 14, 2022. /DAILY NATION

Who Is Amin Mohamed?

The 58-year-old was the Senior Assistant Inspector General at the Internal Affairs Unit, which he joined in 2020. IAU is mandated to receive and investigate complaints against police officers including torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment of anyone by a police officer.

IAU was also formed to aid police officers to address their grievances in the line of duty, with Mohamed receiving complaints against any police officer before proceeding to take action on the direction of the Inspector General.

Born in Wajir County, Mohamed first served as the Inspector of Police, spearheading the investigation of all serious criminal cases and complaints against police as well as stopping crimes after detection, prosecuting all offenders, maintaining criminal records, profiled offenders, and collecting criminal intelligence.

In his resume, he states, that he "offered focused leadership and management of investigation in different capacities within the National Police Service for 33 years."

Mohamed's CV

Mohamed is not a new face to the DCI. He was the Rift Valley regional DCI boss in 2007 when the country witnessed the post-election violence.

Between 2009 and 2010, Mohamed was at its Banking Fraud Investigations Unit where he detected, investigated, and prosecuted white-collar crimes or fraud cases characterised by complexity.

In 2004, he was the Head of Investigations in the investigations bureau and coordinated all investigations at the National Police Service (NPS). 

In 2014, he was the Regional Coordinator at the DCI Central Region and also headed operations at the DCI headquarters between 2014 and 2015.

Prior to his recent appointment, he was at the DCI as a Regional Coordinator of the North Eastern Region between 2015 and 2019.

He also worked as a Chief Inspector, Superintendent of Police, Head of Surveillance and Technical Services, and the Senior Superintendent of Police at the Anti-Corruption Police Unit in Nairobi.

Mohamed vs Nancy Baraza

One of Mohamed's most famous cases involved former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, who was accused of assaulting and threatening a guard, Rebecca Kerubo, at the Village Market mall in Nairobi. Baraza's son is Bien-Aime Baraza of popular boy band, Sauti Sol.

Former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza (left) and her son, Bien-Aime Baraza, of Sauti Sol. /NAIROBI NEWS

He also investigated and prosecuted the murder case of the late Bishop Luigi Locati of Isiolo Diocese and prosecuted a Catholic Priest and five others. The case is still before High Court, Nairobi, 2005.

Mohamed also prides himself in successfully coordinating investigations and prosecution of Post-Election Violence cases in Rift Valley province: 2007-2008.

Education

In terms of his education, he pursued a certificate in Ethics, Governance, and Economic Crimes at Egerton University in 2003. In 2006, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi (UoN), where he graduated with a Diploma in International Studies.

In 2008, he returned to Egerton University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies (First Class Honors). He is currently pursuing a Masters in Criminology and Security Management at Egerton University.

Awards & Personal Life

Some of the famous awards he has achieved include the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) in 2021, Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2007, and the Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) in 2005.

He has expertise in report writing and presentation as well as hands-on experience in overseeing personnel, facilities, and budgets. He also has excellent interpersonal communication and great listening skills and can take risks, think critically, and has strong analytical skills.

He is good in cognitive interview and conversation management and is computer literate. 

Mohamed is married but keeps details of his family a secret.

Mohamed Speaks After Appointment

Hours after his appointment, he promised that he will conduct his duties professionally and respect the rule of law. He also expressed his gratitude to President Ruto and the NPSC for showing confidence in him.

"I want to promise my fellow Kenyans that I will run the DCI in the most professional manner possible. I will be firm and fair in executing my duties while observing the rule of law, knowing that our Constitution is the Supreme law of the land.

"Finally, I will ensure that we adhere to constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms," he revealed.

He extended his congratulations to his predecessor, George Kinoti, noting that he will pick up from the good work Kinoti left off and that he would reach out to him to work together.