Gag order on commanders was irresponsible

‘B’ Division Commander Stephen Merai has said that the directive given to divisional commanders against speaking to the media was an “irresponsible move.”

The directive was given by Police Commissioner Henry Greene, who has recently proceeded on leave to facilitate an investigation into a sexual abuse allegation against him by a woman. In June, while in hospital recuperating Greene sent out a text message to divisional commanders, saying that they were not to speak with the press on any police matters.

Stephen Merai

At a press briefing on Thursday, Merai, who said that acting Commissioner Leroy Brummell has not placed any gag order on commanders, noted that he could not see why the commanders were not allowed to speak to the media, especially since it could lead to false reports being published.  He said he supports Brummell and is “confident that he would do a good job.”