NPSC disowns IG Koome's promotions

National Police Service Commission (NPSC) CEO Peter Leley. [File, Standard]

National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has declared the promotions of over 500 police officer's illegal.

In a press statement, NPSC Chief Executive Officer Peter Leley said that Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome disregarded various constitutional guidelines and has no authority to make such decisions.

"The Inspector General of Police purported to promote over 500 Police officers on Monday, June 5, 2023, and announced that the promotions take effect immediately," said Leley on Tuesday, June 6.

"The promotions are contrary to Article 246 of the Constitution of Kenya- 2010, the National Police Service Commission Promotion Regulations, 2015, Chapter 34 of the National Police Service Standing Orders, 2017 and the National Police Service Career Guidelines."

"They are also unlawful and un-procedural as the Inspector General has no such authority in Law."

According to Leley, Koome did not follow any legal procedures to promote the officers and should recall his list.

He further urges the Principal Administrative Secretary of the National Police Service to refrain from implementing any promotions or related payroll decisions based on Koome's actions.

On Monday, June 5 Koome promoted over 500 police officers to different positions.

Among those promoted to senior positions were National Police Service Spokesperson Resila Onyango and Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei who were promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIP).

General Service Unit Commandant Eliud Lagat and Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) Director David Birech were promoted to senior Assistant Inspector General of Police (S/AIG).

Other are Mombasa and Eastern Regional Commanders Tom Kimani and Joseph Napeiyan who were promoted to Assistant Inspector General (AIG).