IG Koome Threatens Arrest On Drunk Drivers During Easter Holiday

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Thursday, April 6, vowed to crack down on drivers who will be found driving under the influence of alcohol during the Easter festivities.

The IG in a statement appealed to all motorists to adhere to the required traffic rules even as the country prepares for its first official long weekend of 2023 coupled with celebrations by Christians.

Despite the celebratory mood anticipated by Kenyans across the country during the upcoming period, Koome warned members of the public of drinking too much alcohol during the Easter season and warned that police officers will take action against any drunk driver caught on the roads.

"We, therefore, appeal to all road users to comply with traffic rules by putting on safety belts, adhering to speed limits, avoiding overloading and reckless driving, driving while texting, and driving un-roadworthy vehicles. Due to the ongoing rains, some roads may be flooded and therefore motorists are urged to drive carefully.

"We wish to further caution the public against overindulgence during this season, especially in alcohol and reiterate that those found driving while intoxicated (under the influence of alcohol and other psychotropic substances) will be arrested and dealt with according to the law," stated Koome in part.

The police boss issued an advanced alert regarding heavy traffic on Kenyan roads as friends and families gather for celebrations, often marked with large crowds in churches and other social places.

In response to security concerns, IG Koome noted that the police have collaborated with other national security agencies to heighten patrols and surveillance across the country.

"Accordingly, the National Police Service has put in place elaborate and stringent measures to protect life and property. Through our collaboration with other national security agencies, we have enhanced patrols and surveillance on highways, commercial and residential areas, social places, and churches to ensure that calmness and tranquillity is maintained and traffic accidents are reduced during this festive season.

"We have equally deployed adequate personnel in public places including major highways, shopping malls, airports, railway and bus stations, places of worship and recreational centres," the IG added.

He further provided means of communication that members of the public can rely on in the event of any security threat that might occur during the Easter period.

"In the spirit of community policing, we call upon members of the public, and owners of social places and churches to remain vigilant by increasing their surveillance and screening of their patrons, sharing timely information and reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, law enforcement officer, or through police hotline numbers 999, 112 and #fichuakwadci 0800 722 203," he went on.

Based on the NPS statistics, the police boss revealed, road traffic accidents remain a major cause of injuries" and fatalities, with most of the victims being pedestrians, motorcyclists and pillion passengers in accidents largely attributed to preventable human errors.

Speaking during the inauguration of the new Board of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday, April 3, Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen stated that there was an urgent need to address the rampant cases of road accidents that have so far led to the loss of 1,072 lives between January and March 2023.