The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) chairman Eliud Kinuthia and the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome Nchebere, also a commissioner in NPSC have locked horns over controversial promotions involving 500 police officers by the IG which the commission has nullified terming them illegal.
Koome had on Monday announced the promotions, however, yesterday, the commission through its Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley said that the Inspector General of Police disregarded various constitutional guidelines and has no authority to make such decisions.
“The Inspector General of Police purported to promote over 500 Police officers on Monday, June 5, 2023, and announced that the promotions take effect immediately. The promotions are contrary to Article 246 of the Constitution of Kenya- 2010, the National Police Service Commission Promotion Regulations, 2015, Chapter 34 of the National Police Service Standing Orders, 2017 and the National Police Service Career Guidelines.” The commission said.
The commission affirmed that the controversial promotions are unlawful and unprocedural as the Inspector General has no such authority in law.
Under Article 246(3) of the constitution 2010, the commission is responsible for the recruitment, promotion, transfer and general welfare of the police officers with recommendation from the Inspector General while the Inspector General in charge of the operational issues within the service.
According to the commission, Koome did not follow any legal procedures to promote the officers and should recall his list.
Further, the Kinuthia led commission urged Principal Administrative Secretary of the National Police Service Bernice Sialaal Lemedeket to refrain from implementing any promotions or related payroll decisions based on Koome’s actions.
On Monday, June 5, 2023, Koome promoted over 500 police officers to different positions.
Among those promoted to senior positions were National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango and Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei who were promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIP).
General Service Unit Commandant Eliud Lagat and Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) Director David Birech were promoted to senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (S/AIG).
Others are Mombasa and Eastern Regional Commanders Tom Kimani and Joseph Napeiyan who were promoted to Assistant Inspector General (AIG).
Besides Koome, the two Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGs) Koome, Douglas Kanja (Kenya Police Service) and Noor Gabow (Administration Police Service) are members of the commission.
