Team formed to probe graft claims over jobs

A multi-agency team has been established to analyse evidence gathered on corruption claims in the concluded police recruitment.

The team, drawn from Ethics Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), National Police Service Commission (NPSC), National Intelligence Service, Interior ministyr and CID has until August 4 to present its findings.

EACC Chairman Matemu Mumo and Secretary Halakhe Waqo were yesterday holed up in a meeting with with NPSC officials, leading to an agreement on the formation of the probe team to be headed by commissioner Mohamed Murshid.

"They will collect and analyse all complaints and make recommendations to the commission for further action," said NPSC Chairman Johnston Kavuludi.

Matemu said they cannot call for the nullification of the entire exercise at this stage until they get concrete evidence on the allegations of corruption, adding that there were places that did not have the said bribery.

He, however said preliminary investigations indicate the most common malpractices that featured include extortion, bribery, favouritsm, nepotism, discrimination and outright violation of the applicable procedures.

Kavuludi said preliminary findings show there were cases of bribery as he distanced the commission from the whole process. Recruitment of 10,000 constables was allocated Sh86 million and was conducted in all 290 constituencies.

"We had delegated the mandate to conduct the exercise to the local commanders who include OCPDs, AP commanders and Sub-County commissioners. We have received their reports which we are analysing together with the complaints so far," said Kavuludi.

He said they have so far received 352 letters, most of which are compliments.

The public has until tomorrow to lodge their complaints with the commission for action. The multi-agency team will then analyse the information before making recommendations.

"In centres where it is ascertained that the exercise was not above board, results will be annulled and will lead to a repeat of the recruitment in all affected areas," he said.

Matemu said they have to investigate and take action before October 2, when the recruits are expected to report to their respective colleges.