DCI boss tours Coast to assess festive season security

Director General of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin/HANDOUT

Director General of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, toured the Coast region on Thursday to assess security preparedness during the festive season.

His visit on Christmas Day came amid increased movement of people, heightened tourism activity and expanded economic transactions associated with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Amin conducted the assessment in Kwale County, starting with a visit to Diani police station before proceeding to various beaches within Diani, which are considered strategically sensitive during the holiday period due to high numbers of local and international visitors.

The tour focused on evaluating the prevailing security situation, operational readiness and the quality of service delivery by officers deployed on the ground.

He was received by Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, Regional Criminal Investigations Officer Daniel Kandie and other senior police officers, who briefed him on security arrangements put in place for the festive season.

The measures include enhanced patrols, intelligence-led operations and coordination among multiple security agencies to deter crime and respond swiftly to incidents.

Addressing members of the public, Amin called for vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies, noting that public participation remains critical in preventing crime, particularly during peak holiday periods.

“Should you come across any suspicious character or activity, please report through our hotlines and through the other operational channels,” he said.

The DCI director assured residents and visitors that security officers are on heightened deployment to ensure safety across the Coast throughout the holidays.

“As much as everyone else has gone to take their deserved rest, our officers are on extra duty to make sure that security is provided throughout the festive season,” Amin said.

He said his visit was intended to personally assess preparedness within the region and to motivate officers on the ground.

“I came here this morning to look into the security preparedness of our officers within the coastal region and I must commend them for the collegial spirit I have witnessed amongst themselves,” he said.

He added that teamwork among officers was key to effective policing. “I have urged them to work as a team so that we are able to confront our enemies.”

Amin also gave an update on the national security situation, saying the country remains largely stable despite isolated incidents in some areas.

“In terms of crime, the country is very, very stable. We have had isolated cases in parts of Trans Mara, that is, Angata Barikoi and we have significantly reduced the volatility in that area,” he said.

He attributed the improvement to recent interventions, including curfews imposed to restore order.

“As you are all aware, our Interior CS recently imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew, and that has yielded significant results.”

During the Coast visit, the DCI director also inspected police holding cells and interacted with suspects in custody as part of accountability checks and adherence to human rights standards.

He emphasised professionalism in investigative and custodial processes, even during periods of increased operational pressure.

The Coast region during Christmas is characterised by heightened surveillance and an overall assurance of safety, although the influx of tourists makes the area vulnerable to opportunistic crimes.

Authorities have implemented multi-agency security plans involving the police, intelligence services and other stakeholders to mitigate risks and ensure a peaceful festive season for residents and visitors.