Kenyan Officer taken to task over recruitment exercise

A senior police officer who once served in Western region had a difficult time defending himself against claims that his station, Kimilili, was rated the most corrupt during his tenure.

This was during the ongoing police vetting exercise in Kakamega yesterday.

The National Police Service Commission chair, Johnston Kavuludi, took the officer to task to clarify the allegations that medical officers were being used to get bribes during the recruitment exercises.

"We got a lot of literature where more than 46 people alleged they had to queue to pay for medical, and some people were never admitted. They complained of tribalism. 12 people said to go through the exercise, one had to see the officer-in-charge,” Mr Kavuludi said.

The officer, Philip Wambugu, currently stationed at Railways, Nairobi, defended himself saying the exercise was open and the medical department took much time prompting residents to conclude corruption was being perpetuated.

"I was surprised by cancellation of the results, which were conducted openly. The medical department took much time and residents started complaining. In future, the medical department should be looked into because its not efficient,” Mr Wambugu explained.

He added that no one has ever reported or complained of malpractice at the station and no senior officer has ever approached him over corruption claims.

Meanwhile, Kwanza OCPD Wilfred Mogere was asked to explain how he will maintain integrity when his wife owns a Matatu business.

“The Matatu business, which is mainly for generating income for the family, is managed by my wife and it cannot affect my line of duty,” Mr. Mogere said.