By Cyrus Ombati
Nairobi, Kenya: Operations at the Kenya Police Air Wing have reportedly been grounded due to turf wars and lack of aircraft.
There is no operational aircraft at the unit and there has been a conflict between the current commandant of the air wing and a new one who was posted there recently.
A senior officer who was deployed to head and revamp the unit three weeks ago has not assumed office amid claims that the position does not exist in law.
Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo on March 20 appointed John Patrick Owino, a senior deputy commissioner of police to head the National Police Service Air Wing.
However, Owino has not taken over the unit though he had been directed to be based at the Wilson Airport where the commandant of the Kenya Police Air Wing Rodgers Mbithi also sits, officials revealed.
The stalemate is expected to continue after a meeting expected to solve the impasse failed to take off.
Failed to take off
The meeting was to be between the Interior ministry and commissioners of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
Both Owino and Mbithi could not be reached for a comment.
Owino, a former director with the Focal Point on Small Arms, currently does not have an office after he handed over to former General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant William Sayia.
Officials at police headquarters revealed there have been conflicting instructions between the police boss and his Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Kenya Police Service Grace Kaindi over the issue.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku had last week said Owino had been appointed to improve the performance, operational capability and viability of the unit.
