The previous public disagreements between the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) Japhet Koome and the chairman Eliud Kinuthia’s led National Police Service Commission (NPSC) have been amicably resolved, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure has confirmed.
Speaking when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) to shed light on the mandate of the National Police Service, Kindiki said that each office is undertaking its mandate as outlined in the constitution.
“The Inspector-General of the National Police Service exercises independent command and control over the service and performs any other function prescribed by national legislation.” Kindiki noted.
“While the Inspector-General of Police cannot be directed by any person with respect to investigation of any offence(s) and enforcement of the law against any person, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration may lawfully direct the IG with respect to any policy matter, such as the policy directive on transfer of Police officers who have served in one station for at least three years”. Kindiki added.
Trouble has been brewing between the two entities with recent case being the difference that arose following IG Koome’s move to promote 500 officers which the commission termed as irregular, null and void.
NPSC termed Koome’s move to promote high-ranking officers at the national and regional levels as unconstitutional as they were not forwarded to the commission for approval.
“This promotion violated the constitution on independence of the commission which has the mandate to promote police officers in this country as outlined in the constitution, therefore there is no fairness, no advertising was done,” NPSC chairperson stated.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court in July ordered IG Koome and NPSC to convene and reach a consensus regarding police promotions.