- National Police Service Commission advertises positions filled by the IG Koome terming his move as illegal.
- However, the Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 of January 6, 2023, recognizes the independence of the NPS and NPSC
Safi News can authoritatively report that National Police Service Commission has advertised 514 vacancies which has already been filled by Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
This comes after a week-long dispute over senior officer promotions between two factions of commissioners, one led by Koome and the other by Chairman Eliud Kinuthia
Koome had on Monday announced the promotion of the 514 officers after an event at the Office of the President.
They said that they complied with the law as is customary.
However, Kinuthia termed the move null and void and declared the move unconstitutional and illegal
He planned a press conference at a Mombasa hotel but canceled it before the commission CEO Peter Leley released an unsigned statement that had no official letterhead also dismissing the promotions
“These promotions are contrary to Article 246 of the Constitution of Kenya- 2010, the National Police Service Commission Promotion Regulations, 2015, Chapter 34 of the National Police Service Standing Orders, 2017, and the National Police Service Career Guidelines.”
“They are also unlawful and un-procedural as the Inspector General has no such authority in Law. The Commission cannot ascertain the merits of the said promotions,” Leley said in a statement.
And on Friday, June 10, Leley put an advert in local newspapers saying that Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 of January 6, 2023, recognized the independence of the National Police Service and National Police Service Commission
“Pursuant to Article 234 [3)(c) (iv) on the Mandate of the Public Service Commission and National Police Service Commission. Subsequently, pursuant to Article 246(3), 249(1)(2) and 239(5), as read with Section 2(0)(a), 3(1) and 6) of National Police Service Standing Orders Chapter 34 and Section 40) and 7) of Police Promotions Regulations Legal Notice No.88 of 2015, the National Police Service Commission declares and advertises for the following vacancies in the National Police Service Commission
“The Commission hereby invites applications from qualified Police Officers to fill the following positions at the National Police Service,” read part of the notice which indicated candidates have until June 30 to apply.
Koome sent an internal memo telling his officers not to apply.
This is because the advert was not clear on who should apply for what.
“It is an illegality and they know why they are doing it,” said an insider.
The advert said NPSC is committed to implementing the provisions of the Constitution, Article 232(1), on fair competition and merit, representation of Kenyans’ diverse communities, and affording equal employment opportunities to men and women, members of all ethnic groups and persons with disabilities
“Shortlisted candidates shall be required to produce originals of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates, and transcripts during interviews, and meet the requirement of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” The advert stated