New police bosses take oath of office before CJ Maraga

Chief Justice David Maraga (right) and Directorate of Criminal Investigation George Kinoti, shake hands during the swearing in ceremony at the Supreme Court yesterday. [Wilberforce Okwiri| Standard]

The three new police bosses who were appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta January 19, 2018 assumed their offices.

Two deputy inspector generals in charge of Regular and Administration Police - Edward Mbugua and Gabow Noor were first to be sworn in before Chief Justice David Maraga.

Also sworn-in is the new Director of Criminal Investigations, George Kinoti. The three took turns to read through a three-page oath, and promised to maintain peace and uphold the rule of law.

Noor was named the Commandant of Kiganjo two months ago. Prior to that, he was director of planning at Police Headquarters. He had also been the police boss for North Eastern region. He is the first officer to be appointed from outside the AP. Mbugua was a former Coast police boss before he was moved to State House and named Presidential Security Escort commander. He takes over at a time when the service is facing challenges in terms of reforms.

Kinoti is the immediate former police spokesman. He had previously served as head of security at the Central Bank of Kenya, head of police complaints at Police Headquarters and personal assistant to the Director of Criminal Investigations.

National Police Service Commission boss Johnston Kavuludi said the three emerged best during the interviews. “We had a competitive process spanning eight days,” said Kavuludi. At the same time, the CJ challenged the three to assist in taming rogue drivers. “Let us enforce traffic regulations,” he said.