Editor's Review

Charles Owino's transfer comes a few weeks after he announced that he'll be retiring to join politics.

National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Charles Owino has been handed a transfer in the latest reshuffle announced by Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.

Owino has been moved to the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons (KNFP) where he will serve as the Deputy Director.

The police service is yet to announce Owino’s replacement but reports indicate that Trans Nzoia County police commander Fredrick Ochieng and NPS Deputy Spokesperson Charles Kosgey are among Owino’s possible successors.

Owino was appointed NPS spokesperson in 2015 and has been serving in the same capacity until the current transfer.

During his tenure, Owino was known to vehemently defend police officers and take critics head-on over operations at Vigilance House (police headquarters).


While Owino is yet to comment on the issue, some people believe the transfer is linked to his recent statement where he expressed interest in the Siaya governorship during the 2022 General Election.

Speaking in February, Owino announced that he’ll retire from the police service in December 2021 to prepare for the general election where he’ll be contesting to be Siaya County’s next governor.

Earlier on, Owino had hinted at joining ODM and urged other candidates interested in the seat to be prepared for a tough challenge.

“I know that the seat will attract many contestants including Senator Orengo and I hope he and other potential contenders are much prepared for the race or else they will be disappointed at the ballot box…," Owino said.

"I have worked in the police service and I am prepared to win. I am your son and I have in the past not been close to ODM and its elected leaders due to the nature of my work and now that they are in the system, I have sat with and enjoyed the leaders’ company,” he added.