Disgruntled police officers have filed a petition to the National Assembly seeking to initiate the process to force out the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) chairman, Eliud Kinuthia from office citing contempt of court, alleged abuse of office, obstruction of justice and use of public resources for political gain.
According to the officers, Kinuthia has an active case with the Ethics and Anti-corruption court (EACC), accused of abuse of office, nepotism, irregular recruitments at NPSC, irregular dismissals and misuse of government resources.
In the petition, the officers claim that Kinuthia failed to comply with orders issued on May 17, 2019 by the Labour Court on payment of graduate salaries.
They also claim that the chairman allegedly refused to honor court summons to show why he should not be cited for contempt.
“That the chairperson NPSC in a court judgement issued on 26th April refused to honor summons by the court to show cause why he should not be cited for contempt of court and be punished for disobeying an order of stay issued by the court previously on 15th December 2021,” the petition read.
The petitioners claim that Kinuthia has been making selective directions to the IG, to continue favouring 1,233 graduate officers in payment of enhanced salaries while at the same time, discriminating against similarly qualification officers numbering 1,744.
They also stated that the chairman used the NPS resources for political campaigns.
“We have proven that the chairman openly campaigned for his Azimio candidates using government resources including motor vehicles under his custody. He should explain the use of per diems and other resources paid to him of upto the tune of 8 million shillings including usage of police motor vehicles usage for the GK vehicles,” it added.
Two of the officers claimed being misused by the chairperson making them do personal and domestic chores in the house.
“Parliament must investigate why a chairman of the commission should have excess officers as he claims he was allocated by IG Mutyambai. You will be shocked that the officers are bodyguards to himself and the wives and they too perform domestic duties,” they stated.
They also claim that Kinuthia has been unwilling to implement policies that would professionalise the police service and improve the welfare of officers.
The chairman has also been accused of practicing nepotism by recruiting relatives; his son, wife, brother, and sister in law in his office.
