The Inspector general of Police Japheth Koome, [Photo: Citizen Digital]
The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome downplays speculations of power wrangles between his office and that of the chairman of the National Police Service Commission.
Japheth Koome says the two leaders are strictly guided by the mandate of the constitution that fully defines their roles.
While affirming the cordial working relationship enjoyed by the two police bosses, during the salary review press conference, The national Police service commission chairman Eliud Kinuthia reiterated his role of oversighting policies, promotion and hiring of the service men and women.
In June the two police bosses were embroiled in a tiff that saw the service and commission issue opposing statements on the promotion of over 500 police officers, a matter that prompted Senator Okiya Omtatah and the Law Society of Kenya file a petition in court.
On 5th June 2023, IG Koome announced that he had unilaterally promoted 514 police officers within the National Police Service, with the promotions taking effect immediately.
But in a quick rejoinder, the National Police Service Commission denounced the IG’s action, observing that they are unlawful and un-procedural as the Inspector General has no such authority in Law.
The supremacy fight between the IG and National Police Service Commission split the National Police Service down the middle, with fears that if prolonged the stand-off would affect innocent police officers who are due for promotion but are now caught in the middle of a turf war.