The Inspector General Of Police: Usurping The Powers Of the National Police Commission In Employment And Promotions

The moment the current IG of Police was appointed by the President, the majority of Kenyans were shocked, given his past and allegations against him. Now his true colors are manifesting and showing an individual drunk on power and acting as if Kenya is a police state. Now instead of working for Kenyans and Serving us better, he is drunk on power and is now fighting the National Police Commission, where he is a member.

Since he took office, there is nothing remarkable that he has done to warrant positive feedback. He was a wrong choice because he decided to rape the Constitution and go to war with the NPC. I feel infuriated by his actions as a law-abiding Kenyan.

The Kenyan Constitution of 2010 established a clear framework for the roles and responsibilities of both the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the National Police Commission (NPC).

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The Roles of the Inspector General of Police and the National Police Commission:

The Inspector General of Police, as envisioned in the Kenyan Constitution, serves as the head of the National Police Service and is responsible for its overall administration. The IG’s primary functions include the maintenance of law and order, the protection of life and property, and the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime.

On the other hand, the National Police Commission, as an independent oversight body, is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that the recruitment, appointment, and promotions within the police service are carried out fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law. The NPC acts as a safeguard against abuse of power and provides checks and balances to prevent favoritism or nepotism in the police force.

Employment of Police Officers and Promotions:

The Kenyan Constitution outlines the specific roles of the NPC in matters of employment and promotions. Article 246(3) provides that the NPC has the power to “appoint and dismiss persons to hold or act in offices within the service, confirm appointments, and determine promotions and transfers within the National Police Service.”

Moreover, Article 250(4)(e) establishes the NPC’s authority to “exercise disciplinary control over and remove persons holding or acting in offices within the National Police Service.” This provision emphasizes the commission’s independent oversight role in ensuring accountability and fairness in the management of the police service.

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The IG’s Alleged Usurpation of Powers:

Despite the clear allocation of responsibilities, there have been instances where the Inspector General of Police has overstepped the bounds of their authority, particularly in matters of employment and promotions. Such actions can be seen as encroachments upon the powers of the National Police Commission and may undermine the principles of fairness and transparency.

The IG’s intervention in the recruitment and promotion processes may lead to allegations of favoritism, nepotism, and compromise of meritocracy. By assuming powers reserved for the NPC, the IG risks diluting the independence of the commission and undermining public trust in the police service.

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The roles and powers of the Inspector General of Police and the National Police Commission are clearly defined in the Kenyan Constitution of 2010. The NPC plays a vital role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the recruitment, appointment, and promotion of the National Police Service. Any actions by the IG that infringe upon these constitutional provisions can be considered legally wrong and a usurpation of the commission’s powers.

To maintain the integrity of the police service, it is crucial that both the IG and the NPC work collaboratively within their respective mandates. Upholding the constitutionally assigned roles and responsibilities is essential in fostering a professional, impartial, and effective police force that serves the best interests of the Kenyan people.

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