A new Regional Criminal Investigations Officer (RCIO) for Nairobi was appointed on Wednesday, September 25, as part of changes announced by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Director Mohamed Amin named Benson Kasyoki, who previously served as the Eastern RCIO, to the Nairobi position. He replaces Njeru Nthiga, who has moved to the Western region in the same capacity.
The new Eastern RCIO is Benard Korir, formerly the RCIO for the Western region, while George Kisaka has taken over the Nyanza region. Amin stated that these changes are routine and intended to enhance operations in the affected areas.
These leadership changes in Nairobi come amid ongoing investigations into killings and disappearances associated with recent anti-government protests. Police are central to these investigations, and some officers have already recorded statements.
More changes within the DCI are expected in the coming days. The DCI is considered the backbone of the police force, employing various methods to address specific issues. The department operates regional offices supported by county, sub-county, and sometimes ward offices, along with special units to bolster their operations.
The primary functions of the DCI include collecting and providing criminal intelligence, investigating serious crimes such as homicides, narcotics, money laundering, and economic crimes, as well as maintaining law and order and preventing crime.
Additionally, they apprehend offenders, maintain criminal records, coordinate with Interpol, and investigate matters referred by the Independent Police Oversight Authority.
Special units within the DCI include the Cyber Crime Unit, Sting Squad Headquarters, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (for intelligence-driven operations), and various laboratories for forensic analysis.
Officers in these specialized units often dress in plain clothes and use unmarked vehicles, sometimes even with foreign registration plates, to maintain a low profile, especially when going undercover. Unlike regular duty officers, they are not typically required to present in court, as their missions often resemble those of hit squads, involving high-risk operations that can result in violent confrontations.
