Editor's Review

IG Japhet Koome and the National Police Service Commission in June differed over the promotion of 500 officers.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced that the disagreement between Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has been resolved.

In a statement on Thursday, October 12, Kindiki said each office will now be undertaking its mandate as outlined in the constitution.

“The previous public disagreements between the Inspector General of Police and the National Police Service Commission have been amicably resolved, and each office is undertaking its mandate as outlined in the Constitution,” said Kindiki.

He noted that the office of the Inspector General of Police exercises independent command and control over the Service and performs any other function prescribed by national legislation but can be directed by Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Interior.

File image of Police IG Japhet Koome. 

“While the Inspector General(IG) of Police can not be directed by any person with respect to the 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(3) years,” Kindiki added.

IG Koome and NPSC in June differed over the promotion of 500 officers.

NPSC chairperson Eliud Kinuthia while appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations claimed that IG Koome did not consult the commission and therefore the promotions were unconstitutional.

“This promotion violated the constitution on the 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, and no advertising was done,” Kinuthia stated.