An unusual incident recently caught public attention after a man was arrested for taking a police vehicle and driving it around in broad daylight.
The man, who is reportedly from Kisii, was stopped by officers after they tracked the vehicle and intercepted him along the road. The matter quickly became a topic of discussion both on the streets and online.
The vehicle involved was a Toyota Land Cruiser, a type of car commonly used by the Kenya Police Service for patrols and security duties. Such vehicles are usually assigned to officers on official work, which made the incident raise many questions.
Reports indicate that the man somehow gained access to the vehicle under circumstances that are still not clear, then drove off without immediate resistance.
Members of the public were left confused and surprised when news spread that a civilian could take a police vehicle so easily.
Officers later followed the vehicle and managed to stop it, bringing the short drive to an end. The arrest itself might have passed quietly if not for what followed next.
During the arrest, the suspect gave a defense that many people found unusual. In a video that later circulated online, he argued with the officers and claimed that the vehicle belonged to all Kenyans because it was bought using public money.
Screen grab photo, courtesy: Radio 47 (Facebook)
He stated that since he pays taxes, he also has a right to use government property. He went on to ask the officers to treat him with understanding, describing himself as a law-abiding citizen who contributes to the country through taxes.
This statement quickly sparked debate on social media. Some people laughed at his explanation and shared jokes about it, while others were more concerned.
Many questioned how secure police assets really are and whether there were weaknesses within the system that allowed such an incident to happen. Others warned that the matter should not be taken lightly, as police vehicles are important for public safety.
Authorities have since opened investigations to find out exactly how the man accessed the vehicle. They are also looking into whether there was any negligence or assistance from inside the service.
The case has reminded many Kenyans of the importance of accountability and proper handling of public resources.
