In the last two days, netizens took to social media to air their views on the transfer of Kondele Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Daniel Ogechi, terming it “one huge mistake.”
Impeccable reports had revealed OCS Ogechi was set to be transferred sparking public uproar with many queries lingering about the transfer merit.
“Is this a genuine transfer or just ‘fitina’ of some people whose interests have not been served by the said OCS?” they posed.
This uncertainty led to heated exchanges of words with the public condemning the transfer as a target on the OCS.
24-Hour Economy
In their comments, some wondered whether he dismantled some connections of the marauding criminal gangs who have been terrorising the residents for a long period, and posing a threat to Kondele’s 24-hour thriving economy.
Or better still, are the gangs aligned to ‘someone who now needed his transfer,’ due to his relentless effort in championing a zero crime rate?
“Since assuming office, Kondele has achieved peace, tranquillity, and a reduced crime rate in his jurisdiction and beyond. The majority concurred that the issue has been resolved, and the OCS has been retained.
Echoing similar sentiments, a resident of Kondele says that: “Of course, if there is one OCS who doesn’t sleep, has no weekends – then it is OCS Ogechi, I have known him as a hardworking officer.”
He added that he doesn’t sit in the office waiting for reports from his officers, but he is always leading at the forefront even during the night operations with them.”
“This is the time we need Mr Ogechi more than any other time because of the steady resurgence of criminal activities in Kisumu County. He is here to stay, he should only be transferred because of promotion, but not through ill motives perpetuated by sectarian groups,” they remarked.
Fighting Crime
Our investigations at Kondele police station found out that there are 150 police officers under his leadership, who have been deploying different tactics to fight crime.
It has recorded over 335 cases of crime, which have been arraigned in court, with over 300 petty cases detected since January 2024 to date.
“We reliably learnt that Mr Ongechi’s tactics remain unmatched and include pursuing and following every crime as per the information of intelligence they receive from the latter, with no stone left unturned, however long it takes.”
He is well versed with the area as he deploys his security officers accordingly to curb cases of crime.
Moreover, he has mastered many criminals, their contacts and their hideouts. His close operations with the DCI in his station have improved his tracking of criminals in areas like Uasin Gishu, Busia, Migori and Nairobi.
A good case in point is the sprawling Manyatta informal settlement marked as one of the crime hotspots where he continues to work closely with other security agencies to create lasting peace.
“Most of the time, the efforts of police officers to fight crimes go unnoticed, but for sure, these police officers put a lot of effort,” said one of the 10,000 local residents guarded by police officers under his watch.
Mr Ochieng Omwa, a Community Policing Officer affirms this by adding that: “In the recent past, there has been a trend of the ‘Tindo Boys’ who hit residents at the back and steal from them. Mr Daniel Ogechi has dealt with the boys ruthlessly.”
As the security officers try to tame the cases of crime, various stark challenges come with it. The criminals avoid well-lit areas, and they hide in dark areas to commit crimes.
This calls for the need to provide enough street lights to curb this menace.
“The relationship between the public and the OCS has been positive, which has helped police officers gather information on criminal activities. Mr. Omwa also stated that Mr. Ogechi has reduced car theft in the area.
This feat he has achieved by having a good PR with the public to get information. He also uses the crime clock to show the nature of the crime committed day and night.
It has helped him learn the trends of the criminals to prevent the crime before it happens as different departments within his watch work closely.
Public Trust
Mr Omwa says the senior officer has won the public trust.
“He has also assisted in handling some cases that are not within his area of jurisdiction are being reported to his station, and therefore we still need him,” Omwa said.
Kondele OCS, Ochieng further added that they have been very close to the community, having public dialogue and engagements with the community. He has organised football matches between the police and the community.
Through his able leadership, he has organised two end-of-year parties at the station in December 2023 and 2024, respectively. This has improved the relationship with the community, which has since significantly reduced the impact of maandamano (Demonstrations) in Kondele.
“We can’t agree to release Chief Inspector Ogechi at this time of rising insecurity in many parts of the country,” he said as many residents agree that the station commander is willing to serve the public.
A firm and fair officer who is passionate about his work and consistently consults stakeholders by embracing dialogue, attending community barazas, community forums, and engaging with the boda boda sector.
“Mr Daniel Ogechi is an officer who restricts his work within the law, loved by lawbreakers and spends his ample time reasoning with them. He always reminds them that they have the potential to do what can positively impact the community,” the residents concluded.
