Nairobi — Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has warned police officers against applying for any positions advertised by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) as the standoff between the police chief and the Eliud Kinuthia-led Commission escalates.
Koome's warning came after the NPSC advertised 514 vacancies already filled by the IG on Friday.
The IG instructed senior officers from across the country to inform the security agents under their command to disregard the advertisement.
"My attention has been drawn to an advertisement contained in the local dailies inviting members of the National Police Service to apply for vacancies outline in the advertisement," Koome said.
"I therefore direct that all officers under your respective commands should be informed to ignore the advertisement."
IG Koome warned that any officer who fails to heed the directive "may face disciplinary sanction."
Contested promotions
NPSC declared the promotions of at least 500 officers by IG Koome unlawful saying it was not involved.
The promotions were announced Monday.
Police Commission Chairperson immediately issued a statement through CEO Peter Leley, declaring the promotions null and void.
"The 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," Leley said in a statement.
He said Koome "has no such authority in law" because all promotions are done by the commission.
Leley argued that it cannot ascertain the merits of the said promotions as there are no related vacancies declared or approved by the Commission.
The commission further stated that the promotions were covertly undertaken without any single advertisement on the same and that there is no determination by the Commission on the purported promotions.
"Promotions in the National Police Service must be based on merit, equal and fair opportunity to all Members of the Service, shall be equitable and have considerations on gender and regional balance and must meet requirements of ethics and integrity," Leley said.
The NPSC warned that any officer using such rank "as irregularly conferred is warned that any benefits so obtained shall attract personal liability."
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'Freeze the payroll'
The Commission further directed the Principal Administrative Secretary of the National Police Service to refrain from implementing any promotions or related payroll decisions based on actions not determined by the Commission.
"That the Commission shall hold personally liable any Member of the Service who implements such directive on promotions without a written determination of the Commission," the NPSC said.
The Commission further asked 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 assured all Police Officers of its commitment to ensuring fairness and equal opportunity in administrative actions adding that it is working to "clear the anxiety and confusion caused by the said unprocedural and unlawful actions."
The NPSC reassured all police officers of its commitment to ensuring fairness and equal opportunities in administrative actions.
The commission acknowledged the anxiety and confusion caused by "the said unprocedural and unlawful actions" stating that it is working to address the situation appropriately.
Some of the notable names promoted include National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango and Nairobi Regional Police commander Adamson Bungei who were elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
Others include the Head of Investigations at DCI Abdallah Komesha, General Service Unit Commandant Eliud Lagat, and Deputy Director of DCI Nicholas Kamwende who were promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (S/AIG).
