Sixty-seven police officers suspended over alleged graft
The Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has directed the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome to suspend sixty-seven police officers over alleged corruption following recommendation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (Eacc).
The sixty-seven officers include 3 Chief Inspectors of police, 6 Sergeants, 11 Inspectors of Police, 14 Corporal and the majority thirty-three Police Constables.
A letter by the Eacc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Twalib Mbarak indicates the officers were arrested while collecting bribes and related malpractices.
“Section 42(7) of the Leadership and Integrity Act provides that; Subject to the Constitution and any regulation for enforcement of the Code of Conduct, a State/public officer may be suspended from office pending the investigation and determination of allegations made against the state/public officer where such suspension is considered necessary.” The letter by Mbarak read in part.
Ruai police station’s Commanding Officer (OCS) Duncan Otieng is among the officers suspended after he was a few weeks ago arrested while receiving Sh 5000 bribe from people he had arrested while reveling.
Further other incidences that have led to the suspension include defrauding people having an interest in joining the police force and dealing with suspect property contrary to section 47(2) (a) as read with section 48(1) of the anti-corruption and economic crimes act no. 3 of 2003.
Last month, the Koome publicly said corruption is rampant in the service.
“I can’t lie. Corruption is with us as police. This problem is called returns; where the junior officers are collecting money and taking it to the Corporal, Base Commander, OCPD, and even the County Commander. Some have even come to my office, trying to give me something, but I refused.” Koome said.
The sixty-seven are among the six top Chief Executive Officers who were also suspended.
Among other CEOs sent packing include Engineer Fredrick Mwamati of Tanathi Water Works Development Agency, Stanvas Ong’alo (Acting DG, National Museums of Kenya), Benjamin Kai Chilumo (CEO, Huduma Centre Secretariat), and Eng. Anthony Wamukota (GM, Design and Construction, KETRACO).
