Kimaiyo tint ban illegal, LSK claims

By FELIX OLICK

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has offered to defend anyone whose private motor vehicle is impounded by the police on account of tinted windows.

LSK Chairman Eric Mutua termed the directive by Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo illegal and which cannot be enforced in any court of law.

According to the LSK boss, Rule 54 A (1) of the Traffic (Amendment) Rules, 2009 only covers public service vehicles and taxis.

“The Inspector General of Police is wrong in his interpretation of the Traffic Act Chapter 403 of the Laws of Kenya and the Traffic Rules on tinted car windows,” Mutua declared yesterday.

“His decree and declaration that all vehicles, including private vehicles, should not be fitted with tinted windows is unlawful and cannot be enforced in any court of law.”

Mutua hit out at Kimaiyo, saying a dangerous culture is creeping in Kenya’s institutions where persons holding public office disregard the law and make illegal public pronouncements.

“This is an affront to the Constitution and must be arrested forthwith,” he emphasised.

There has been confusion countrywide as police arrested several motorists in private cars over tinted windows.