Police vetting exposes the rot fueling insecurity

The ongoing police vetting has exposed serious flaws and shortcomings in a critical service supposed to maintain security and deter attacks on Kenyans.

Coming at a time when Kenyans are grappling with terror attacks, banditry raids and insecurity, the corrupt tendencies among senior officers in the Police Service are unacceptable.

It is even more disheartening that some officers appearing before the vetting panel find it in order to crack jokes, in such a serious discourse.

Some officers claim they make their money through farming, matatu business and other ‘side-hustles’. Others claim their spouses are doing thriving business, while others claim they keep their money at home and not banks.

Some senior officers cannot speak fluent English and have to be excused to use Kiswahili. This raises the question of merit and how promotions are conducted in the service.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett and the National Police Service Commission must implement reforms in the force to get rid of rogue officers.

It should not be business as usual in the Police Service and officers whose only impetus is to make quick money, must be shown the door. That some senior officers bank hundreds of thousands of shillings daily, shows that corruption in the service has reached critical levels.

This could explain the lethargy among some officers in responding to distress calls. Intelligence gathering and acting on the same have been compromised due to graft. This must end, especially in light of terror threats. Still, the authorities must facilitate the police with equipment, decent salaries and housing.