Key anti-terror unit crippled by lack of funding
What you need to know:
- Police Inspector-General David Kimaiyo on Tuesday admitted that the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit was underfunded but that the lack of funding had not affected counter-terrorism work.
A key unit of the police fighting terror is underfunded and cannot run properly.
Police Inspector-General David Kimaiyo on Tuesday admitted that the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit was underfunded but that the lack of funding had not affected counter-terrorism work.
Mr Kimaiyo said the unit, just like others in the police, were on a limited budget. “We however give them the funds they request for any operation,” said Mr Kimaiyo.
The specialised unit is not autonomous and relies on funds allocated to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
The money is allocated by the boss Ndegwa Muhoro for maintenance and fuel for cars, travel expenses and other office supplies.
The unit combats potential attacks by working closely with the National Intelligence Service’s Counter-Terrorism Unit. “The work of protecting the country from attacks must continue even as we push for more funding. We still regard the threats as real and are alert,” he said.
Although there has been no major attacks in the last few months, detectives are on high alert after intelligence indicated that Al-Shabaab militants were running at least six shops in the city centre.
One shop deals with cosmetics and is located on Koinange Street. Other Shabaabs are along Kigali Road near Jamia Mosque.
Sources who sought anonymity said the detectives are however closely monitoring the activities of the men purporting to be conducting legitimate business.
Mr Kimaiyo said that the current budget was drawn by the former Commissioner of Police and added that his office had drawn a budget that would ensure that the critical unit had sufficient funds.
According to a September report by the US Congressional Research Service, Kenya is one of the top five global recipients of US State Department anti-terrorism funding. Last year, the US gave Kenya about Sh658 million for training and equipment. The British government has also contributed vehicles to the unit.
The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit has been accused of failing to foil some attacks and in their conduct.
Human right activists have accused the unit of extra-judicial killings, extortion and corruption.
Some officers have been accused of releasing suspects they have arrested after the being bribed.
