12 Shortlisted for CID Post

By Cyrus Ombati

Twelve candidates have been shortlisted for interviews to be Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Current director Ndegwa Muhoro is among the candidates who will appear before the National Police Service Commission for interrogation beginning December 3 to 6.

A total of 33 police officers applied for the job but 12 made it to the final list.

Also in the list is deputy commissioner of police Francis Okonya, former PPO Kingori Mwangi, head of investigations at CID headquarters Mohamed Amin and deputy director of CID Gideon Kimilu.

Head of Interpol at CID headquarters Mary Kaol, former head of anti-terrorism unit Mathew Kabetu, head of personnel at CID headquarters Tom Omani, director of logistics at police headquarters Silas Mc Opiyo, head of legal division CID headquarters Stanley Cheruiyot, head of CID training school Peter Muinde and head of senior police training college Patrick Obimo are also shortlisted.

Muhoro is ranked first among three who have been nominated to be the first deputy inspector general of regular police.

Candidates seeking the position must have a degree, ten years of proven experience at management level of a public institution, knowledge in and experience in criminal investigations or policing and have proven experience in either management, law, economics, change management, finance, governance or public administration.

The contenders have been asked to present clearance certificates from Ethics and Anti Corruption, Kenya Revenue Authority, Director of Public Prosecutions, Higher Education Loans Board, Credit Reference Bureau and a certificate of good conduct.

Three names will be sent to the president and Prime Minister for appointment of one.

The chairman of the commission Johnston Kavuludi said they expect to have a new director by Christmas.

“So far we are progressing well and we expect to finish these business by Christmas time,” said Kavuludi.

The DCI will be semi-autonomous and will be one of the most powerful office holders.

Chairman of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Macharia Njeru said he is so far happy with the process of recruiting the new police chiefs.

“The reform process will continue no matter what. We are in support of the process so far,” he said.

It is the first time that Kenya conducts open recruitment of police bosses as stipulated in the constitution and other laws.

The commission has so far nominated David Kimaiyo, Patrick Ochieng Owino and Grace Kaindi for Inspector General, Muhoro, Judy Ndeda and Jasper Ombati for the deputy IG and Samuel Arachi, Kimilu and David Ngondi for Administration Police.

The two principals will name the DIGs for regular and AP but will have to send the names of the three nominees of the Inspector General to Parliament for approval.