Arrests loom over number plates

The government has directed the police to arrest owners of vehicles with unprescribed number plates, saying they are illegal and compromised national security.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau said on Thursday that motorists using such plates without authorisation were breaking the law.

“The display or use of any unauthorised number plates on any vehicle on a public road is an offence. The owner and driver of any such vehicle are committing an offence and are liable for a fine of not less than Sh500,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years or both”, the CS said in the statement sent to newsrooms.

Flamboyant politicians, business people and entertainers have developed a taste for customised number plates.

Among them are Nairobi Senator Michael Sonko and footballers McDonald Mariga and Denis Oliech.

On Wednesday, the senator caused a stir at the Lee Funeral Home when he arrived in a convoy that included a car with a siren , a black Hummer filled with his security detail and a shiny golden SUV with the registration number Sonko1, Special.

The CS asked the public to notify the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) of any vehicle displaying unauthorised plates.

Motorists who bore the brunt of harassment by Mr Sonko’s security detail will be watching to see whether the police will act and arrest the Senator and others using such plates.

Previously, the police have looked the other way as Mr Sonko and his convoy drive around city roads.

On Thursday, Mr Kamau said customised plates can only be used with NTSA permission.

REVOKE GUN LICENCES

At the same time, the National Gun Owners Association of Kenya has asked the Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and the police boss to revoke the licences of holders who misuse their firearms.

The association has also called for regular vetting of all firearm owners.

The call comes in the wake of an increase in the cases of misuse of firearms in the country.

Kenya has about 6,000 licensed gun holders.

FACE ACTION

Meanwhile, two security officers attached to Mr Sonko will face disciplinary action for allegedly misusing their firearms.

The order followed the team’s behaviour on Wednesday at the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi where they brandished their assault rifles while dressed in civilian clothing.

Police spokesperson Zipporah Mboroki on Thursday said that the acting Inspector-General of Police Samwel Arachi had also ordered for investigations into the behaviour of the officers following complaints that they routinely display their firearms and harass the public.

According to the police, members of the public have complained about the manner in which Mr Sonko’s security team behaves on the road, shopping malls and other social places they visit.

“All officers are expected to exercise a lot of restraint and civility while armed. Unnecessary display of firearms, especially when officers are in civilian clothes, cannot be condoned,” she said.