Is the DCI above the law?

Image result for dci kenya

 

Is the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) above the law? Well it looks like the DCI has chosen to defy court orders that barred him from posting photos of suspects on social media.

Justice Wilfrida Okwany had on Friday issued temporary orders on Friday restraining the DCI and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet from posting photographs of suspects being booked at police stations on the internet, specifically on their Twitter and Facebook.

 

Image result for Justice Wilfrida Okwany

 

“That a conservatory order and be and is hereby issued restraining the Inspector of General Police and Director of Criminal Investigations from posting suspects and or accused person booking photographs and on the internet and social media and more and more specifically on the DCI Facebook and Twitter page pending the determination of the petition,” reads the court order.

But on Monday, the DCI posted the photo of Police Constable Elvis Ombati Mitenti who was arrested for trying to exhort money by threatening a manager of a private hospital with arrest.

 

 

“Police Constable Elvis Ombati Mitenti, attached to the Dog Unit-Nakuru, was arrested today evening by @DCI_Kenya Detectives for trying to extort money by threatening the Manager of Njoro Huduma Nursing Home with arrest. He was accusing the management of illegal power connection,” the DCI tweeted.

The court order was issued after a petitioner, Henry Shitanda claimed that posting the images before the suspects are charged is unconstitutional and infringing on their right to privacy.

“The respondents should be made aware that even after suspects or accused in the criminal proceedings the booking photographs are available on the internet long after the case ends,” Mr Shitanda said.

According to Justice Okwany, the internet and social media have made booking photos more embarrassing and humiliating than ever before as the accused or suspects are entitled to privacy rights as enshrined in the constitution.

 

Image result for it's embarrassing gif

 

The suspect whose photo was paraded by the DCI works at the Dog Unit in Nakuru. He allegedly demanded for money and also impersonated DCI officers attached to Nakuru Central Police Station.

“He was nabbed by detectives for trying to extort money by threatening the Manager of Njoro Huduma Nursing Home with arrest. He was accusing the management of illegal power connection,” posted the DCI.

The agency confirmed that investigations had already commenced in order to nab his accomplices.

 

Do you think the DCI should be charged for defying court orders?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *