The promotion of at least 500 officers by Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has been ruled illegal by the National Police Service Commission since it was not involved.
However, the promotions were promptly cancelled by Police Commission Chairman Eliud Kinuthia through CEO Peter Leley.
In a statement, Leley claimed that the advancements were against Article 246 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, the 2015 Promotion Regulations of the National Police Service Commission, Chapter 34 of the National Police Service Standing Orders of 2017, and the National Police Service Career Guidelines.
Koome, he claimed, “has no such authority in law” because the commission is in charge of all promotions.
Leley claimed that because there are no corresponding openings announced or approved by the Commission, it is impossible to evaluate the merits of the aforementioned promotions.
The commission also claimed that there had been no advertising for the promotions and that the Commission had not made a decision about the alleged promotions.
“Promotions in the National Police Service must be based on merit, equal and fair opportunity to all Members of the Service, equitable and take gender and regional balance into consideration, and they must also meet standards of ethics and integrity,” Leley stated.
According to the NPSC, any officer who uses their position “as irregularly conferred is warned that any benefits so obtained shall attract personal liability.”
The Commission further ordered the National Police Service’s Principal Administrative Secretary not to make any payroll decisions or promotions based on conduct that was not approved by the Commission. “Any Member of the Service who follows such directive on promotions without the Commission’s prior written approval will be held personally accountable,” the NPSC stated.
The Commission urged the Inspector General to recall his illegal actions as they totally flout various Constitutional principles and is failing to uphold the rule of law by a State officer.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensure justice and equal opportunity in administrative processes and stated that it is trying to “clear the anxiety and confusion caused by the said unprocedural and unlawful actions.” The Commission also gave assurances to all Police Officers.
According to the commission, “the said unprocedural and unlawful actions” have generated worry and confusion. The commission acknowledged these effects and said it is working to address the problem appropriately.
Resila Onyango, a spokeswoman for the National Police Service, and Adamson Bungei, the commander of the Nairobi Regional Police, are two famous individuals who have been appointed to the status of Assistant Inspector General of Police.
