Haiti force deputy deployed to deal with cattle rustlers

The officer who was the deputy force commander in Haiti has been named the new Eastern Regional Police Commander in changes that affected scores of senior officers.

Stephen Chebet, based at General Service Unit headquarters, recently returned home after the Multinational Security Support mission in the Caribbean country where the force was deployed to deal with organised criminal gangs.

He will be required to deal with perennial cattle rustling incidents. In the recent past, the region has been facing frequent attacks, with Meru County being the hardest hit. The livestock thieves said to come from neighbouring counties of Isiolo, Samburu and Laikipia have left a trail of deaths and displacements.

A multi-agency security operation is yet to restore order.

“With the experience he has gained, we are certain he will exploit the same in bringing order and sanity in the affected areas,” said Deputy Inspector General in charge of Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat. 

In the changes, Nairob County Traffic Commandant Fredrick Ochieng has been moved to police headequarters at Vigilance House and his position taken over by Benjamin Mwanthi who is the immediate former Uasin Gishu County Police Commander. Wilberforce Sicharani takes over in Uasin Gishu.

Central Regional Commander Jasper Ombati has been recalled to Vigilance House and replaced by Geoffrey Maiyek, the in-charge Railways Police Unit, which will now be headed by Hillary Birgen who was serving as the deputy Eastern Regional Police Commander.

Also affected in the transfers is Yunia Waqo who until her elevation, was Butula Sub County Police Commander. She moves to Nyandarua in a new role as the County Police Commander.

According to Lagat, the changes are normal and aimed at improving efficiency. “More changes will be effected soon,” he added. [Hudson Gumbihi]