Joho threatens to take police vehicles

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has threatened to withdraw support for the National Police Service.

This came as the war of words between him and the County Commissioner, Mr Nelson Marwa, over insecurity and the use of police vehicles intensified.

Mr Joho said he would instead focus on the county community policing officers and askaris to enhance security.

“If you joke around with me I will withdraw the vehicles I donated to NPC, paint them and donate them to the Mombasa County Government for community policing,” he said.

Speaking in Likoni, the governor said no one appointed Mr Marwa to speak on behalf of the people of Mombasa. He told the commissioner to stick to security matters.

“The commissioner’s bosses respect us and we respect them too,” Mr Joho said.

The governor said he did not understand why crime was still high in Mombasa.

“We have given you cars, fuel and even drivers from inspectorate, yet every day we hear gunshots. This is plain laziness,” he said.

“I will withdraw the drivers and stop fuelling the cars. The police need to do their work diligently,” Mr Joho said.

FRESH CRIME WAVE

Ms Esther Ingolo of the Governor’s Press Service Unit said the county boss would withdraw the maintenance and insurance of the cars.

“After what has transpired I will keep off. Security is a national function,” he said.

As the dispute rages, a fresh crime wave has hit the region, sending shivers among residents, the business community and security agents.

The lawlessness is mounting pressure on the already strained security apparatus at the Coast.