Boost To Nkaissery As Parliament Passes Law On Sirens

This follows passing of the Order of Precedence Bill by the National Assembly Wednesday morning.

The Bill, which now awaits the President’s assent, also bars anyone from referring to Governors as their Excellencies.

The Bill, sponsored by Eldas Member of Parliament Adan Keynan, proposes a fine of not less than one million shillings or a jail term of 12 months for anyone who contravenes the law.

However former Presidents and former Prime Ministers will be allowed to use sirens on their motorcades and processions.

This comes as a boost to a directive by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery banning illegal use of sirens and strobe lights.

Mid January, Mr Nkaissery directed police to impound all vehicles illegally using sirens and strobe lights including those of Cabinet Secretaries and other top government officers.

In his directive, Nkaissery ordered that such cars must be grounded with immediate effect.

Also targeted by Mr. Nkaissery's directive were cars used by private security firms and funeral hearses.

Acting on the directive, acting Inspector General of Police Samuel Arachi ordered his commanders to impound all the vehicles violating the laws.

Only police cars and other emergency service vehicles, which are ambulances and fire engines, are allowed to use sirens and strobe lights.

Other vehicles allowed to have the fittings are the security escorts for the President and Deputy President.

By Wangui Ngechu