Former Commissioner of Police Duncan Wachira died in his Nairobi home after an illness.
He served as the commissioner of the police between 1996 and 1998 when many say he steered a number of reforms in the then Kenya Police Force.
President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a message of condolence to the family, relatives and friends of Wachira who passed away early Wednesday morning at his Nairobi home.
In his message, the President remembered the former police boss as a true servant of the nation and a patriot who was committed to the wellbeing of the country.
“I have known Duncan Wachira as a man of great insight and unique qualities. During his time as the head of our police service, Mr Wachira pioneered reforms that improved the welfare of our men and women in uniform.
"Mr Wachira is also remembered for his no-nonsense approach to the fight against crime especially in Nairobi. It is during his time as the top cop, I remember, that many organised criminal syndicates were dismantled," the President eulogised.
Uhuru said Mr Wachira's virtues of hard work and dedication to duty will remain an inspiration to many young Kenyans especially those serving the country in the disciplined forces.
Wachira had last year suffered a heart attack and later flown to India for treatment. He has since then been in and out of hospital. He retired after the 1998 bomb blast at the US embassy in Nairobi.
During his tenure in office, cases of armed robberies were on the rise. It was then that the notorious and profiled robbers Rasta, Wacucu and Wanugu reigned. But Wachira managed to contain the rise of the gangs. Bank heists also increased then.
More to follow
Former police bosses
FD Tyssen -1922-1925
RCA Cavandish- 1931-1941
WMG Sandwith- 1943-1947
CH Ward- 1947-1949
DDM Mc Goun 1949-1954
RC Catling- 1954-1964
Bernard Hinga 1964-1978
Ben Gethi- 1978-1982
Bernard Njinu- 1982-1988
Philip Kilonzo- 1988-1993
Shadrack Kiruki- 1993-1996
Duncan Wachira- 1996-1998
Philemon Abongo- 1998-2002
Edwin Nyaseda- 2002-2003
Maj-Gen Hussein Ali- 2003-2009
Mathew Iteere- 2009-2012
Inspector General of Police
David Kimaiyo- 2012-2014
Joseph Boinnet- 2014-2018
Hillary Mutyambai- Current
