Senior police officer in Kenya with no idea about ranks

Acting police commander of Kericho Charity Chepkemoi Mayek during the police vetting exercise in Nakuru. She shocked panelists during traffic police vetting exercise after she failed to list ranking of police officials in the country. (PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH/ STANDARD)

A senior officer shocked a vetting panel after she was unable to list ranks in the police service.

Kericho acting traffic base commander Charity Chepkemoi Mayek (pictured) looked tensed when she appeared before the panel led by National Police Service Commission chairman Johnstone Kavuludi.

She was asked to tell the commission the rank of Rift Valley AP Commandant, who she was next to but she could not.

Instead, she mentioned a non-existent rank, leaving the panel in shock.

"Try again and identify this officer. We do not want you to collapse, kindly take your seat and try once again," Kavuludi told Mayek.

Later, Kavuludi took time to spell out the ranks in the National Police Service command which he asked her to familiarise herself with. 

"You learn hierarchy of officers and understand their work," said Kavuludi. Further, Mayek was also at pains to explain why the traffic department has been ranked as the most corrupt. Her vetting took 48 minutes above the normal time of between 15 and 20 minutes.

When asked to explain reports that many motorists are arrested around Chepseon in Kericho, Mayek said she was not aware.

The response angered panellists as Commissioner Mary Owour warned her against taking them round in circles.

"Do you travel by public means? When you go, do you see traffic officers taking bribes? Why are you wasting our time?" said Owuor.