By Antynet Ford
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has recommended that the National Assembly should initiate the removal of the Inspector General of Police.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Implementation and Oversight, NPSC chairman Eliud Kinuthia accused IG Japhet Koome of undermining their operations.
National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is now recommending to Parliament to initiate the process of removal of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
The NPSC chairman accused Koome of several things amongst them arbitrary recruitment, and promotion of police officers roles which the Kinuthia claimed are constitutionally given to the police recruiter.
Kinuthia also accused the IG Koome of allegedly recruiting and deploying police reservists bypassing NPSC.
Article 245 (7) of the Constitution states that the Inspector-General may be removed from office by the President only on the grounds of –(a) serious violation of this Constitution or any other law, including a contravention of Chapter Six;(b) gross misconduct whether in the performance of the office holder’s functions or otherwise;(c) physical or mental incapacity to perform the functions of office;(d) incompetence;(e) bankruptcy; or(f) any other just cause.
Supremacy war between the NPSC and the Inspector General since last year with the matter escalating and the commission saying they would not surrender their mandate of recruitment, transfer, and promotion.
Article 246 (3) of the Constitution states that the Commission shall recruit and appoint persons to hold or act in offices in the service, confirm appointments, and determine promotions and transfers within the National Police Service.
In August 2023, Operation Linda Ugatuzi moved to Parliament to have IG Koome be expunged from office on grounds of dishonoring the laws of the land.
However, the parliament stated the Inspector General of Police, may only be removed from office by President.
“We have perused the constitution, the Act, the National Police Service Act, 2011, and the National Assembly Standing Orders and advice that the petition seeks the removal from office of the Inspector General and Inspector General as a member of the National Police Service Commission in a manner that is contrary to the provisions of Article 245 of the constitution. Article 245 of the constitution provides that the IG may only be removed from office by the President.” The National Assembly Clerk stated.