A man from Kisii County was arrested after allegedly stealing a police vehicle and driving it around before being intercepted by officers. The suspect reportedly took the vehicle from a police station compound, raising serious security concerns.
The vehicle in question was a patrol unit belonging to the Kenya Police Service. It was a Toyota Land Cruiser, a model widely used by officers for security operations and routine patrols across the country.
According to police sources, the suspect managed to access the vehicle under unclear circumstances before driving off.
What shocked many, however, was the suspect’s unusual defence during the arrest.
In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, the man boldly argued that he had done nothing wrong because he is a taxpayer. He claimed that government vehicles are funded by taxpayers and therefore “belong to Kenyans,” including himself.
While being restrained by officers, he reportedly urged them to show mercy to “a citizen who pays taxes.” He insisted that his actions were justified, maintaining that public property should be accessible to members of the public who fund it.
The footage quickly sparked debate online.
Some Kenyans treated the incident humorously, turning the man’s argument into memes and jokes. Others, however, sharply criticized his reasoning, noting that paying taxes does not grant individuals personal control over government assets.
Legal experts point out that public property, though funded by taxpayers, is managed by state institutions under strict regulations. Unauthorized use of government vehicles constitutes a criminal offence, regardless of one’s tax status.
Security analysts have also raised concerns about how the suspect gained access to the police Land Cruiser in the first place. Questions have emerged over whether there was negligence at the station or possible internal collusion.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is in custody as investigations continue. Officers are seeking to establish how the vehicle was accessed, whether security protocols were breached, and if other individuals were involved in the incident.
Police have not yet disclosed the specific charges the man is likely to face. However, offences related to theft of a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of government property carry serious legal consequences.
The incident has reignited broader public conversations about taxation, public ownership, and civic responsibility. While citizens fund state operations through taxes, legal frameworks clearly define how public assets are controlled and utilized.
For now, the suspect’s bold declaration may have entertained some online audiences. But as investigators continue their probe, the matter underscores deeper concerns about security and accountability within public institutions.
