MPs being probed over recruitment

Kenya: Politicians are being investigated for their role in the ill-fated police recruitment that led to the nullification of the exercise in 36 centres, a report tabled before the  Parliamentary Committee on Administration and National Security has revealed.

"We have had cases of political leaders who meddled in the exercise. This gives us an angle for investigation. These are serious issues that we cannot ignore," said National Police service Commission Chairman Johnston Kavuludi.

Ironically, some of the complaints that are being investigated by the CID and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption commission were received from MPs, some of whom are now under the spot over the fiasco. Kavuludi told the Asman Kamama-led team that 15 MPs had written to the commission with allegations that the exercise was marred with irregularities.

Although Kavuludi declined to disclose the names of the politicians being investigated arguing that it would jeopardise investigations, the report prepared by a multi-agency team revealed that in some centres, relatives of elected political leaders both at the national and county governments were recruited irregularly.

Apart from politicians, people under investigations are senior police officers, who allegedly colluded with recruitment officers.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said officers who will be found culpable will face "serious disciplinary action".