Bishops Want DCI Disbanded

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) bishops from the Nyanza region are now calling for the complete disbandment of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), accusing the agency of gross misconduct and abuse of power.

The bishops allege that the DCI has been linked to a disturbing pattern of enforced disappearances, intimidation, and even extrajudicial killings targeting innocent Kenyans. They claim the unit has become a source of fear rather than a protector of public safety.

Leading the charge, Maseno South Bishop Charles Onginjo appealed directly to President William Ruto, urging him to intervene and safeguard the rights and lives of all citizens.

He emphasised that it is the government’s responsibility to rein in rogue security agencies and restore public trust in law enforcement.

The bishops said their call stems from growing frustration and anguish among communities in the region who feel unsafe and unheard. They stressed that structural reforms or the disbandment of the DCI may be the only way to ensure accountability and justice.

“Acknowledging the fact that the president is the symbol of unity, we are disappointed that President William Ruto has virtually failed to stand with the ordinary Kenyans who are the target of police brutality,” he said.

Bishop Charles Onginjo has stated that the time has come to dismantle the DCI for the benefit of the Kenyan people. He urged President Ruto to exercise the constitutional authority granted to him by citizens to restore order and integrity within the country’s security agencies.

The bishops criticised the DCI, claiming it has become a feared institution weaponised by those in power to intimidate, harm, and suppress ordinary Kenyans.“We cannot and will not keep quiet when a unit of the police paid by taxpayers’ money becomes a terror gang licensed to kill,” he said.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the New Cathedral Church in Kisumu on Friday, where bishops from all six Nyanza counties were present, Bishop Onginjo stated that the DCI has become indistinguishable from the criminal gangs terrorising citizens across the country.

He warned that public trust in the police is rapidly eroding, and if left unchecked, this growing mistrust could fuel a dangerous cycle of violence, revenge, and lawlessness. “When it reaches a point when people see the police as enemies number one, then you know that we have lost the nation to lawlessness,” he feared.

In addition to criticising the DCI, the bishops have also taken aim at the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), accusing the body of failing in its mandate, especially in cases involving loss of life at the hands of police.

“IPOA has failed Kenyans and it is seen as a toothless dog that can't bite but can talk louder enough to confuse Kenyans that it is working,” the bishops continued.

They also urged the police to put an end to the growing incidents of brutality and cautioned them to be more aware of public sentiment, warning that continued abuse could push Kenyans to fight back in self-defence. “For the police, please come to terms with the fact that Kenyans are cursing you every day because of your heartless manner in which you deal with Kenyans,” the Maseno West Bishop said.

The bishops have urged President Ruto to take decisive action as Head of State to reform and restore order within the country’s security forces, raising alarm over the rising cases of police brutality.

They also emphasised that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to express themselves, and condemned the use of police to silence dissent. The bishops also called on officers to reject unlawful and inhumane commands from their superiors aimed at suppressing the public.

Their remarks come amid a worrying surge in police violence, including the assault of teacher and social media influencer Albert Ojwang, the fatal shooting of mask vendor Boniface Kariuki, and multiple recent deaths in police custody. In response, the IPOA has assured that investigations into all these incidents are currently ongoing.