By Geoffrey Mosoku
Homabay, Kenya: CORD Members of Parliament (MPs) say they will shoot down any amendments proposed by the state on the National Police Service Commission.
The MPs say that they cannot allow the country revert the old ways where a police chief wielded immense powers.
They described the impending amendments as retrogressive and unconstitutional saying the constitution clearly stipulates the roles of both the commission and that of Inspector General.
According to Homabay Women Representative Gladys Wanga, the constitution provides that the chair of the commission will be a civilian while the IG and two deputies will be members.
“We will not allow the commission to be weakened and create an all powerful IG who will use some powers to muzzle officers through transfers and other forms of mistreatment,” she said.
The MP who was in the company of Siaya senator James Orengo, MPs Jakoyo Midiwo, Aduma Owuor and Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero was speaking in Homabay Sunday during the funeral of Nairobi lawyer Nespit Ojwang.
The legislator said that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission had revealed that two communities, Kikuyu and Kalenjin, comprise over a half of the police force saying that giving an IG powers to recruit will return the country to the same nepotism.
She cited the Philip Ransley Report which recommended for the formation of NPSC with the powers to recruit, discipline and transfer police officers, saying that was made to remedy the country from one or particular tribes dominating the police service.
“The NPSC should be allowed to preform its duties just like the Teacher Service Commission (TSC). The IG who is a member of the commission should canvass within the commission on any changes he wants to be effected,” Ms wanga said.
Senator Orengo castigated proposed plot to scrap the senate saying those behind the move are enemies of devolution.
