Kenya: The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has said the two deputy Inspectors General of Police are part of the problem and should also be kicked out of office.
IPOA alleged that Grace Kaindi (regular police) and Samuel Arachi (Administration Police) should also be forced out on grounds of incompetency.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi yesterday, IPOA Chairman Macharia Njeru said the two, who are holding their offices temporarily, cannot continue staying in office because they are part of the security problem.
Mr Macharia said Kaindi and Arachi can only stay in office temporarily, "pending recruitment of the substantive Inspector General through a competitive process as elaborated in the law."
"It is untenable for those in charge of the National Police Service command to remain in office notwithstanding the continuous and regrettable lapses it being tantamount to rewarding incompetence," he said.
He said the sacking of the deputies would facilitate a fresh start in the police service and would see proper use of resources that "have always been allocated for the police."
Creating loopholes
He faulted the police bosses for not ensuring proper use of available resources.
"There are very many resources the officers can use to fight insecurity but those in charge have not inspected their usage. We don't see the resources being used well yet they are there," he said.
He also told those in the top police chiefs to learn from the perpetual security lapses to avoid recurrence.
He said police officers should continue undertaking their roles and ascertain security for all Kenyans despite the changes in command.
"It is important for all in the National Police Service to put the country's interest first, practice patriotism in execution of duty and to remember that there is no vacuum. Dereliction of duty would be the worst form of betrayal to the people of Kenya," he said.
He also said the National Police Service Commission, as currently constituted, has no quorum and cannot in law appoint an acting Inspector General.
David Kimaiyo retired as Inspector General of Police two years before his due time. Mr Kimaiyo said he had informed the President of his decision.
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