By Athman Amran

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has expressed frustration over the delay in setting up of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).

IPOA chairman Macharia Njeru has written to the acting Head of the Civil Service Francis Kimemia and Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office Mohamed Isahakia protesting the delays.

IPOA has also constituted a committee and board members to engage the Executive and Parliament until the issues are resolved.

Mr Njeru was speaking on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy call on the Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly.

He, however, said the authority hopes to roll out its services in 120 days and implement its full mandate in another 180 days.

“Within not more than 18 months the police service will be the best on the African continent,” promised Njeru.

mandate

The NPSC is mandated with the appointment of the Inspector General of the Police and his two deputies as part of the police reforms as envisaged in the Constitution under the National Police Service Act.

It will also investigate any complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offences committed by any member of the service and make recommendations for appropriate action among other functions.

The setting up of the NPSC has been shrouded in controversy after the Parliamentary Committee on National Security recently rejected President Kibaki’s nomination of Amina Masoud to head it.

The committee proposed Jean Njeri Kamau, Murshid Mohamed, and Johnston Kavuludi.

The parliamentary team had also recommended the nomination of Esther Chui-Colombini, Ronald Musengi, James Atemi, Muia Mutia and Mary Owuor to serve as commissioners.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga had also disowned the list claiming he was not consulted while civil society groups challenged the matter claiming none of the nominees was qualified to be appointed as Judge of the High Court as outlined in the Constitution.

Mr Melly called for the acceleration of the formation of the commission. He at the same time said police reforms were welcome, but the Government needs to invest in the force.

terms of service

He said terms of service for the police force was a great disappointment, adding that officers are also not being provided with decent houses and good living conditions. “Some do not even have appropriate clothing to withstand harsh weather conditions,” said Melly.

The chairman of the authority, which is four weeks old, said at the moment they were making policies that would guide their work and plan to employ investigators and case officers among other staff.

He said the authority expects challenges, especially from those who do not want police reforms, but argued that they will deal with them as they come.

“There is bound to be resistance from those who want to maintain the status quo but there is a significant number of officers who want change,” Njeru said.

On terrorism, Melly called for collaboration between the public and security forces. “Those charged with security should share more information with the public so that they can take precaution,” he said.

Melly also expressed concern over Kenyans who usually run to the scene of such attacks. “If there is a subsequent bomb blast we could lose many people, including our leaders,” he said.