Residents of Kamukunji have accused the National Police Service of allowing what they term the “illegal corporate capture” of the California Police Station in Nairobi.
In a demand letter dated September 17 and filed by E&D Advocates on behalf of the Kamukunji Dwellers Association, the community protested against the branding and purported sponsorship of the station by a private entity known as ATIS.
“This reckless and unlawful corporate intrusion into a state security facility is not only an affront to the Constitution of Kenya, but also a grave betrayal of the public trust reposed in the National Police Service,” the letter reads in part.
The residents further allege that the station’s Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Aden Denge Guyo, has been reduced to an “agent of ATIS”, allegedly effecting arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation of citizens on behalf of private interests.
“We feel left out as people of Kamukunji since the OCS only concentrates on one person — Abdi. It is like the businessman has pocketed the OCS, which is unethical under NPS provisions,” a section of residents claimed.
The lobby has demanded the immediate removal of all ATIS branding, disciplinary action against the OCS, and a clear directive from the Inspector General barring private entities from influencing or sponsoring police stations.
“If our demands are not met within 14 days, our client will escalate the matter through constitutional litigation, public engagement, and lawful mass action in defence of the people’s sovereignty,” the advocates warned.
Copies of the demand letter have also been sent to the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
