President Uhuru Kenyatta's signature stands between Joseph Boinett and post of Inspector General of Police

NAIROBI: Career spy Joseph Boinett jumped the last major hurdle to becoming Kenya's new Inspector General of Police after the National Assembly and Senate approved a joint committee report recommending his appointment to the position.

Despite questions on his academic qualifications and whether he will muster the necessary authority to steer the service, the nominee gained the support of the two Houses, with members saying he has the requisite qualifications and experience to do the job.

Committee members justified their approval on grounds that they had done all due diligence and found Mr Boinett suitable to serve in the position.

The chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Administration and National Security Asman Kamama (Tiaty) challenged Boinett to underline his vision for the much-discredited police service.

"We found him qualified. But we want to know his solid plan in securing the country. It is not going to be business as usual. It is going to be business unusual," said Kamama.

But the Senators were split over the nomination of Boinett.

Senators allied to the ruling coalition (Jubilee) backed Boinett's nomination, while those from the Opposition opposed his appointment and asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to scout for another candidate.

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) termed the nomination as flawed, claiming the candidate lacked the necessary qualifications and experience to lead the NPS.

Led by Minority Leader Moses Wetang'ula (Bungoma), Senators Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), David Musila (Kitui), Moses Kajwang (Homa Bay), Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni), Hassan Omar (Mombasa) Abdulraham Ali (Wajir) Anyang Nyongo (Kisumu) and James Orengo (Siaya), the senators strongly opposed the nomination.

They cautioned that approving Boinett's appointment will be setting a dangerous precedent, which could result in sabotage by senior officers who were side-stepped in the service.

"This process was flawed. The academic qualification of this candidate is wanting. The police force has faced numerous challenges and therefore we should be cautious on who takes over the leadership," said Wetang'ula.

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Orengo and Wetangula, who are members of the Security committee, however did not participate in the vetting process, saying the way the exercise was done undermined the authority and structure of the bicameral institution of Parliament.

"We recruited David Kimaiyo through a competitive process and despite having a security of tenure, he never finished his term. We must be very careful not to fail twice. We should learn from past experiences," said Orengo.

In the National Assembly, Naomi Shaban (Taveta) said that Boinett's previous role in the intelligence service was a boon to his new role.

"The committee considered all the facts that were placed before us. He showed all the qualities of someone who will be able to have real command of the service," David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East) told the House.

Among the issues that the new IG will be expected to deal with are runaway corruption within the service and the spiralling wave of insecurity.

"In this country, Administration Police have refused to answer to the regular police. They think they are in competition with the regular police. This is something that will have to be dealt with," said Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka/Nithi), senators Charles Keter, Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo/Marakwet), Stephen Sang (Nandi) and Zipporah Kittony (nominated) supported the nomination of Boinett, saying he was equal to the task.

"We should respect the report by the joint committee of both Houses endorsing Boinett. He will bring on board an inter-agency collaboration in dealing with complex police operations," said Prof Kindiki.

Only the President's signature now stands between Boinett and the post of Inspector General of Police.