Cosmetic changes won’t reform the police force

The removal of Hussein Ali as the Police Commissioner was a surprise to many. Ali will be remembered for initiating police force reforms during his term.

Nairobi residents will attest when he took over, six years ago, some parts of the city were no-go-zones due to insecurity.

Also, his fight against the Mungiki and the Saboat Land Defence Force crowns his stay at Vigilance House.

Thanks Ali for the good job.

Yassin Sherif, Via Email.

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In its current structure, Kenya Police will always remain inefficient, ineffective and corrupt regardless of who heads it. The Government must overhaul the organisational structure of the force to ensure essential reforms.

But if Mathew Iteere is the new broom to sweep the mess, so let it be. Let him rise to the task and bring the much-needed change. I wish him all the best.

Amos Othulo, Nairobi.

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The appointment of Mr Mathew Iteere to replace Maj-Gen Hussein Ali as the Commissioner of police is welcome. Kenyans hope Iteere will quickly restore public confidence in the force. Implementation of reforms should be a priority.

Iteere and his new management must motivate officers and ensure civilian policing becomes the norm.

The new police boss must instill discipline among his team and cultivate a good working relationship with the Administration Police.

Stephen Mutoro, Nairobi.

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Kenyans need not to talk harshly about the performance of former Commissioner of Police Hussein Ali.

He did his duty well but his junior staff and the general public kept derailing his efforts.

Comments that demonise Ali are misplaced and Iteere should not be presented as a miracle worker. What is being said about Ali was also said about his predecessor Edwin Nyaseda. Iteere should brace himself for similar comments.

Shikuku, Via Email.

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President Kibaki has, once again, failed Kenyans by deploying a professional soldier, Major-General Hussein Ali, to head a communications parastatal.

Ali is a good soldier and his redeployment to Postal Corporation is a waste of talent.

The President should have rather made him a top security officer in the Office of the President. Or what guided him into the decision, anyway?

Concerned Kenyan.

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Leaders should spare us cheap politics. Our problem is not Maj-Gen Ali, Justice Aaron Ringera, Attorney General Amos Wako, Chief Justice Evan Gicheru or President Kibaki.

The problem is our dysfunctional systems. We should demand constitutional reforms to guarantee us stronger institutions and better services.

Shuffling individuals and retaining others is just cosmetic change.

Fidelis Kavinya, Thika.

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Those celebrating the exit of Hussein Ali from the police force might soon rue their jubilation.

He was one of the best commissioners of police, his mistakes and weaknesses notwithstanding. He discharged his duties with gusto and dedication.

It is during his reign Kenya recorded a remarkable decline in crime and fewer incidences of corruption in recruiting officers to the force.

Edwin Mulochi, Via Email.

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Ali’s dropping as police chief was President Kibaki’s attempt to ward off public attention about the controversial re-appointment of Justice Ringera and his two assistants — Smokin Wanjala and Fatuma Sichale — to the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission.

Concerned Kenya.