Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has proposed the mandatory branding of all Subaru vehicles used by Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in criminal operations. The initiative aims to enhance law enforcement transparency, deter impersonation, and foster public trust.
Speaking on Friday, December 6, Senator Thang’wa underscored the need for identifiable DCI vehicles, noting that branding them would bolster the credibility of officers while mitigating risks posed by criminals impersonating law enforcement. He stated that such measures would encourage public cooperation during police operations.
To formalize this proposal, Senator Thang’wa announced plans to introduce a bill amending the National Police Service Act (2011), the Traffic Act, and the Public Order Act. The bill seeks to ensure all operational DCI vehicles display clear branding, including the agency’s logo, contact information, and unique identification numbers. “This initiative will promote consistency, transparency, and public safety,” Thang’wa wrote in a Facebook post.
He further advised citizens to remain vigilant when interacting with unmarked vehicles. “When stopped by a clearly branded vehicle, citizens can confidently cooperate with law enforcement. However, if approached by an unmarked vehicle, it’s crucial to exercise caution, as such vehicles may be operated by criminals,” he warned.
The Senator’s proposal follows a marathon 10-hour meeting with DCI officers to address public concerns about allegations of unmarked Subarus being used for abductions. While officers clarified that such claims were unsubstantiated and that the DCI conducts lawful arrests, Thang’wa expressed lingering doubts. “This conversation inspired me to propose a solution that upholds professionalism while rebuilding public trust through visible vehicle branding,” he explained.
Thang’wa highlighted the dual benefits of this initiative: deterring impersonation and protecting the DCI’s reputation while reassuring the public of their safety. He also emphasized that the proposal aligns with global best practices for law enforcement visibility and accountability.
The Senator’s remarks come days after his appearance at DCI headquarters, where he was summoned for questioning over violence at a funeral in Limuru attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While he complied with the summons, Senator Thang’wa declined to comment on details of the incident during his extended questioning session.
