The Inspector General of Police, Japheth Koome, on behalf of the National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement addressing safety and security during the 2023 Easter festive season.

Koome disclosed the NPS has established elaborate and stringent measures to protect lives and properties during the period.

The IG also said the service has beefed up security along highways, commercial areas, residential areas, social places and areas of worship to ensure smooth sailing.

“As we enter the Easter Holiday, it is expected that there will be heavy traffic on our roads across the Country, and vacated homes, as friends and families gather for celebrations, often marked with large crowds in churches and other social places,” the statement read in part.

“Accordingly, the National Police Service has put in place elaborate and stringent measures to protect life and property. Through our collaboration with other national security agencies, we have enhanced patrols and surveillance on highways, commercial and residential areas, social places, and churches to ensure that calmness and tranquility is maintained and traffic accidents are reduced during this festive season.”

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Koome also noted the rise in road accidents during the period and urged all road users to observe traffic rules and drive carefully, especially since the rains are here.

“Based on our statistics, road traffic accidents remain a major cause of injuries and fatalities, with most of the victims being pedestrians, motorcyclists and pillion passengers in accidents largely attributed to preventable human errors,” Koome said.

“We therefore appeal to all road users to comply with traffic rules by putting on safety belts, adhering to speed limits, avoiding overloading and reckless driving, driving while texting, and driving unroadworthy vehicles. Due to the ongoing rains, some roads may be flooded and therefore motorists are urged to drive carefully.”

Koome cautioned the public against overindulging in alcohol during the Easter festivities and emphasized drunk drivers will face the law if found.

“We wish to further caution the public against over indulgence during this season especially in alcohol, and reiterate that those found driving while intoxicated (under the influence of alcohol and other psychotropic substances) will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,"  Koome said.

Koome also assured Kenyans of the deployment of police officers to monitor the traffic on the roads and ensure security and safety in all public spaces.