House teams raise concerns over Joseph Boinett

Inspector General of Police nominee Joseph Boinett

President Uhuru Kenyatta's nominee for Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett could be facing hurdles in obtaining Parliament's approval.

Monday, reports emerged that the joint parliamentary committees on national security that vetted his appointment were not satisfied with his suitability for the appointment.

The joint committees of the National Assembly and the Senate retreated to Boma Inn hotel in Nairobi to draft a report after the public hearing last Thursday but they reportedly unanimously rejected his nomination.

The reports by the committees are expected to be tabled in both Houses of Parliament today so members can consider to either approve or reject his nomination before expiry of the two weeks provided in law.

A source who spoke to The Standard last evening on condition of anonymity because House rules prevent members from divulging deliberations of closed-door committee sessions, said there were concerns raised that could scuttle Boinett's chances of succeeding David Kimaiyo, who resigned late last year.

Questions about his first degree, seniority in the National Police Service (NPS), concerns about a top officer picked from the National Intelligence Service and queries about his promotion at the spy agency were among the reservations that reportedly surfaced at Monday's discussions.

The MP said members were of the view that the nominee did not meet the requisite qualifications to be appointed IG.

"The nominee’s bachelors degree obtained from Washington DC in the US through correspondence is questionable. The status of the institution is not recognised and accredited by the education board," said the lawmaker who is a member of the team.

The MP added that members asked if the first degree was questionable, "how do we accept the two master's degrees also presented to us by this candidate?"

Boinett told his interviewers last Thursday he holds a bachelor's degree in Diplomacy and International Studies and two master's degrees in Diplomatic Studies (US) and International Security Policy Management (Australia) and other numerous courses on national security issues and intelligence. However, some of his courses are classified.

Monday, another senator said: “The issue of seniority is also serious and it cannot be wished away. There are close to 400 officers who are senior in rank. How will the nominee work with them?”

The senator said senior officers in the NPS had, too, expressed reservations about the nomination, suggesting Boinett would face challenges commanding them.

“There are over 100,000 personnel. We must be alive to the fact that all these people will be comfortable working with the new IG without facing any opposition."

Mediocre services

The legislator disclosed that majority of the senior officers who have spoken to the committee members in confidence have expressed concerns over the continued appointment of police bosses from outside the disciplined forces, yet they are also qualified and equal to the task.

Another hurdle facing Boinett, who is currently the assistant director of intelligence, is his promotion at the spy agency, with members raising questions on how he rose through the ranks. “We are guided by the law. What baffles us is how he rose through the ranks with the kind of credentials he has,” said another lawmaker.

The members Monday emphasised the appointee to the IG office must be independent and able to command his troops without intimidation or backlash.

During the vetting process, lawmakers sought to know from Boinett how he planned to run the service, with a background from intelligence spanning over 30 years and his rank being the subject of controversy.

He exuded confidence saying the seniority issue would not be a challenge, "since in the forces, it is about command and all officers must respect the commander".

"It is sad Kenyans are not satisfied with our services presently, since some officers give mediocre services. I will ensure we have a people-centred policing strategy," the nominee had told the committee on Thursday.

He added: "I am a firm, no-nonsense person. I will not allow my officers to engage in corrupt activities. I'm ready to take decisive action against any of them and will be ready for any consequences."

Senator Elizabeth Ongoro (nominated), Joseph Ndiege (Suna West), David Njuguna (Gatanga), Mohammed Ore (Wajir West) took Boinett to task over his academic credentials.

However, the committee’s co-chairs Senator Yusuf Haji (Garissa) and Asman Kamama (Tiaty) promised the matter would be deliberated upon during the retreat.

If both Houses reject Boinett, Uhuru would be forced to nominate another officer.