Lamu county commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo. [Photo/The Star]Lamu county commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo has asked members of the public to arrest criminals other than wait for the police.
Addressing residents after a 35-year-old hotelier was killed by a gang while on his way from work in Bombay area, Kitiyo said members of the public should never hesitate to apprehend anyone found committing a crime.
Angry residents held demonstrations and marched to the commissioner’s office with the body of Mr Jackson Wasi who was killed at about 10 pm last Saturday
They demanded an explanation on the rising insecurity within the region.
“We are aware that criminals released on bond are the ones who come out and continue to terrorise people. From today, I am giving you direct orders to arrest any such criminals in your midst. Don't wait for the police. When you see them, pounce on them, arrest them and bring them to us.”
A citizen’s arrest is made by a person who is not a sworn law enforcement officer.
The law is in section 24A of Police and Criminal Evidence Act, 1984 (PACE) and according to the law, anyone can arrest a person committing an indictable offense.
Citizens can also arrest someone if there are reasonable grounds to suspect they are committing an indictable offense.