Iteere: We need more forensic labs to fight crime

The lack of forensic laboratories has frustrated efforts to fight crime, Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere has said.

Mr Iteere Thursday pointed out despite the increasing sophistication in crime, Kenya had only one forensic laboratory at the CID headquarters.

“The reality is that we require basic forensic capacity in any every county. What we should be having at the CID headquarters is a national referral forensic facility.

"With the kind of resources allocated for tools, training and equipment, I don’t see how the country can achieve the criminal justice system we deserve," he said during the launch of the National Council on the Administration of Justice in Nairobi.

The Council is established under the Judicial Service Act to ensure better coordination and cooperation of various state agencies involved in the administration of justice.

The council is chaired by the Chief Justice. Other members are the Attorney General, Commissioner of Police, Director of Public Prosecutions, the Administration Police commandant, Commissioner of Prisons and head of the Witness Protection Unit.

The Act empowers the council to formulate policies on  administration of justice and raise funds for the purpose.

Deputy chief Justice Nancy Baraza, who was the chief guest, said the Judiciary will employ more staff to speed up the delivery of justice.

More than ten judges from both the Court of Appeal and High Court attended the meeting.

Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo indicated that he will seek an amendment to the Judicature Act to increase the number of judges in the two courts. 

“With the new devolved structures, ideally every county should have a judge,” he said.

Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko, Commissioner of Prisons Isaiah Osugo and AP commandant Kinuthia Mbugua were also present.

Mr Iteere said “inadequate justice” was the most enduring complaint amongst many citizens.

“From the scourge of corruption in high places, to the plight of the chicken thief, to the management of elections the story has been the same,” he said.

He asked the public to change their attitude towards the police and support them in enforcing the law.

“We have adopted a tone that treats police as suspects and therefore removes the moral edge from reinforcement.”

Acquisition of forensic laboratory was one the projects under the Anglo Leasing scandal. The matter is now the focus of the national anti-corruption agency and litigation.