Police officer links his wealth to 'Hindu gods'

Constable Alfred Ndalana

A police officer in Kisumu claimed he made his money by escorting 'Hindu gods' belonging to a wealthy businessman.

Constable Alfred Ndalana caused laughter when he told the panel that businessman Hemal Kotesha paid him handsomely for escorting processions in Kisumu to appease Hindu gods.

The officer was responding to queries of conflict of interests in his work posed to him by Commissioner Ronald Musengi who chaired the panel.

Mr Musengi sought to know why he frequently received money from the businessman who also owns lorries operating in the town.

Further pressed to clarify if that was not in conflict with his position as a traffic police officer, he said: "Mr Kotesha is a kind-hearted man. He can just give you money when he meets you."

Musengi asked Ndalana whether he would intercept the lorries belonging to Mr Kotesha to which he responded: "His (Kotesha) businesses are very straightforward."

Kotesha is also a contractor with the Government and currently fuels police vehicles in Kisumu and supplies vehicle spare parts and stationary for the force. He is also contracted to construct police stations and houses in the region.

After being adversely mentioned at the hearings, Kotesha wrote to the National Police Commission seeking to clear his name.

He clarified that he gave the money out of good heart.