Joseph Kipchirchir Boinett's appointment as IG contested

A Kenyan has filed a petition in Parliament against the appointment of Joseph Kipchirchir Boinett as the Inspector General (IG) by the President.

The petition stamped as received by the National Assembly Clerk's Office on February 13 argues that the appointment of Mr Boinett to the position of IG was irregular. Wycliffe Nyakina claims the country's security will be compromised under Boinett's command.

 "Being a disciplined force where seniority is paramount, a revolt in the rank and file of the National Police Service (NPS) will naturally ensue to reject imposition at the apex of the service of a junior officer, who had left the police service many years ago and joined the National Intelligence Service," he said.

The petition points out that though Article 145(2) (a) of the Constitution states that the IG is appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament; Article 246(3) (a) says the National Police Service Commission shall recruit and appoint persons to hold or act in the offices in the service, confirm appointments and determine promotions and transfers within NPS," he said. Nyakina said the appointment was a violation of law.