Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja says investigations into the enlistment of Kenyans into the Russian military are at an advanced stage, warning that individuals found culpable will face the full force of the law.

Kanja, who was speaking during the annual high-level security conference for Regional Commanders and Directors in Mombasa on Friday, said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is determined to uncover the syndicate facilitating travel of Kenyans abroad under unclear arrangements. He gave the assurance that the investigations are progressing well.

“The DCI is on that matter, and by the end of the day, we will know who did what, who played which role. Any person who committed a crime in that direction will have his day in court,” he said.

His remarks come on the back of reports that many Kenyans had been lured to European battlefronts with promises of fat salaries to join the Russian military without fully understanding the terms of their contracts.

A report submitted by National Intelligence Service (NIS) to Parliament early this week revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight in the conflict with 89 serving on the frontlines as of February.

On internal security, Kanja directed police commanders around the country to crack down on criminal gangs harassing citizens.

“We want a situation where no Kenyan will look over their shoulder because of insecurity. All criminals should take note that we are going to deal with them. I have directed commanders to ensure that their areas have no criminal gangs,” he said.

On boda boda transport sub-sector, the IGP ordered every boda boda operator to seek registration at the nearest police station in their area of operation to enhance identification and accountability.

“We want the national police to work with the leadership of the boda boda service. When they become self-regulating, criminals hiding within that very important economic sector will have no space. If we register everybody, by the end of the day, we will ensure all criminals are rooted out,” Kanja said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sitati Reagan