Ruto explains why he disbanded DCI Special Service Unit as he links it to River Yala deaths
President William Ruto has explained why he disbanded the Special Service Unit of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
On Sunday, October 16, during a service of thanksgiving in Kericho County, Ruto stated that the unit had been transformed into a militia that executed Kenyans.
He said that the squad was to blame for the civilians’ mysterious deaths, whose remains were found in the infamous River Yala.
“They had five years which they used to run down the country in which insecurity had hit unimaginable levels with bodies were found killed in river Yala. The police had deviated from the role of protecting Kenyans to killing them.
“That is why I gave an order that the SSU of the police be disbanded because it was killing Kenyans anyhow,” the president stated.
Ruto’s explanation came hours Acting Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow gave the directive to disband the elite unit on Saturday, October 15.
“The DCI Special Service Unit (SSU) has been disbanded with immediate effect. This follows a directive from the Ag. IG Mr. Noor Gabow.
“All officers serving in the disbanded unit have been recalled to DCI Headquarters for further instructions,” read the DCI statement in part.
The disbanding is a part of a larger reorganization effort anticipated at the National Police Service (NPS) as the new leadership assumes control.
The squad was renowned for playing a vital part in the prosecution of serious offenses like robbery, murder, fraud, and kidnapping, among others.
The team was established in 1999 to take the position of the Special Crime Prevention Unit. It adopted its new name in 2019.
“It was created due to the increase in unusual and peculiar crimes within the Republic of Kenya. It discharges its duties under the immediate supervision of the Director Operations DCI Headquarters and on several occasions assist in areas where Crime is perceived to be on the rise within the Country,” reads its description on DCI Website.
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