Former director of criminal investigations, George Kinoti, handed over office to the acting boss, Hamisi Salim Massa on Friday, September 30.
Kinoti, who resigned after President William Ruto assumed office, listed his success as DCI boss, among them improving the services offered to members of the public.
“This has been a deliberate effort to ensure that DCI discharges its mandate efficiently and effectively, as expressed by the will of Kenyans in the 2010 Constitution and in conformity with established laws.
“The shift has also been brought about by globalization propelled by rapid advances in technology and increasingly well-informed society,” Kinoti wrote in a goodbye letter.
George Kinoti walks out of DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road after handing over office on Friday, September 30, 2022.
DCI
Among his greatest achievements was the specialized training of over 400 detectives in diverse fields of investigations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, India, Russia, and South Africa. The team led the world, in criminal investigations.
From the training, the U.S Department of State and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) partnered with DCI in creating the first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) outside of the United States.
“Under this prestigious program, 42 detectives drawn from the Anti Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) underwent a 12-week intensive counterterrorism training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where I also joined the detectives to inspire them and make Kenya proud,” he underlined.
Kinoti also professionalised the directorate into a world-class investigative body, improving the standard of Kenya’s investigations which saw DCI earn plaudits for convictions in court, and delivering justice to victims of crime in a timely manner.
He also oversaw the creation of the Homicide department, the Special Service Unit, and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, all credited for swift intelligence-led operations that led to a reduction in armed criminal activities across the country.
An ultra-modern DCI National Forensic laboratory was also built under his watch, revolutionizing the manner in which the unit managed a crime scene, gathered evidence, analyze it, and used the results to nail suspects.
“Today, the DCI stands proud among its peers in the developed world, in offering outstanding investigative services. Across the African continent, DCI is currently recognized as one of the leading investigative agencies, and has in the last few years received invitations from various countries to assist in solving crime puzzles,” a proud Kinoti stated.
Other achievements included his election as Africa’s delegate to the Interpol Executive Committee, the establishment of a robust Corporate Communications and Public Affairs unit, and the dissemination of information through narrative prose on social media pages.
“This was a deliberate move to give the directorate a human face and increase our interaction with the people we serve. Consequently, to further gain public trust and confidence, a modern 3-star cafeteria that is open to the public was established at DCI headquarters.
Image of DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road
Daily Nation
“I thank the government and the people of Kenya for the opportunity I had to serve for 30 years, from a police constable to the DCI boss. I also thank all the foreign missions, stakeholders, and partners, with whom we have worked together towards transforming the directorate into a reputable investigative agency,” he added.
To wrap up his letter, he thanked all detectives he worked together, stating that he will forever be greatly indebted to them for their support.
“We would not have traveled this far without prayers from Kenyans whose faith inspired and strengthened us no matter how drearily or challenging the times were,” Kinoti bade goodbye.
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