Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaks at the DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road during the relaunch of the revamped Fichua Kwa DCI call centre, July 22, 2025. /SCREENGRABInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) against claims of impunity, insisting the department operates within the law and is fully accountable to the Kenyan public.
Speaking on Tuesday July 22, at the DCI Headquarters along Kiambu Road during the relaunch of the revamped Fichua Kwa DCI call centre, Murkomen dismissed widespread perceptions that the DCI is a faceless institution riddled with rogue officers.
The event, which marked the commissioning of a modernised call centre equipped with new communication infrastructure, was also attended by officials from the UK government, whose partnership contributed to the refurbishment.
“There’s a lot of innuendo and propaganda that this DCI is a hidden place, that rogue officers are here. As you can see, all these officers have been introduced openly; we know their names, we know what they do, and this is an institution that is of the people; it’s not for us [the government or elites],” Murkomen said.
He dismissed fears that officers within the DCI operate in isolation or outside the law, noting that Kenya’s constitution enshrines transparency, accountability, and community-centered policing.
“A few people still live in the past, where they think that police officers operate in isolation. Unfortunately, for those who think so, it’s no longer possible because the constitution itself talks about transparency and accountability on the part of the National Police Service. It also talks about a service, not a force,” he said.
Murkomen’s remarks come amid growing public scrutiny over the conduct of DCI officers, particularly during riot control operations and arrests.
The department has frequently come under criticism for deploying masked officers and unregistered Subaru vehicles during crackdowns on protests and criminal suspects.
Additionally, the DCI has faced accusations of abductions and enforced disappearances—claims the agency has consistently denied.
The CS, however, admitted that isolated incidents involving police officers have contributed to mistrust between the public and law enforcement agencies.
“There are a few cases on the part of the police that have created suspicion, fear, and a gap between the DCI and the public. Our responsibility here through police reforms is to create a community that Kenyans can trust—the National Police Service, the DCI—so that they know that when I tell DCI that I have a problem, my message is going to be treated anonymously, but I will also be protected,” he said.
Murkomen said the revamped Fichua Kwa DCI platform was part of broader reforms to bridge the gap between the police and the public and to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among Kenyans in improving safety within their communities.
“This [Fichua] creates transparency and gives Kenyans a sense of ownership to take charge of their National Police Service. The ideal situation is to see all Kenyans work in close collaboration with the police,” Murkomen noted.
The Fichua Kwa DCI service, first launched in December 2020, has now been upgraded to accommodate WhatsApp messaging while retaining the anonymity of informants, both locally and internationally.
The Fichua Kwa DCI toll-free number, 0800 722 203, was unveiled to the public during the launch.
According to Murkomen, the upgrades now enable the call centre to respond more efficiently to public inquiries and emergencies.
“With the upgrade of the system, the centre is now equipped to deal with the evolving needs of our users. In addition to the toll-free hotline, members of the public can now share information securely via WhatsApp, making the service more accessible and convenient,” he explained.
The newly unveiled WhatsApp number is 0709 570 000.
The center’s infrastructure has also been enhanced with a reliable power backup inverter system and a dedicated recovery server to guarantee uninterrupted service delivery.
Murkomen said these reforms are geared towards creating a “people-centered policing model” that encourages proactive citizen participation in security matters.
He also lauded the cooperation with the UK and the British High Commission, terming it a testament to Kenya’s commitment to international partnerships in strengthening law enforcement.
“Together we strive not only for a safer Kenya but also a safer global community,” Murkomen said, noting the collaboration also includes advanced technology transfer and specialised training for officers.
Murkomen praised DCI Director General Mohamed Amin for spearheading the reforms and emphasised the ministry’s vision of a modern, transparent, and professional police service.
“Article 244 of our constitution calls upon us to strive for the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Realising this vision hinges on partnerships with individuals and entities who share our values and are committed to the safety and security of our citizens and the global community,” he said.
