Omtatah seeks courts intervention over new police reforms

Activist OKiya Omtatah moves to court seeking orders to bar the implementation of police reforms.

Following President Uhuru Kenyatta's announcement on the reforms in the police unit, Activist OKiya Omtatah is now seeking the courts intervention on the matter.

In a case filed at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on Friday, the activist wants the court to temporarily suspend the reforms in the National Police Service from taking effect.

In his petition, Omtatah is seeking a court order to prohibit the changes in the structure of the service, introduction of housing allowance for junior officers, rebranding of the police training colleges and the merging of the two departments: Kenya Police Service and Administration police. He argues that the reforms are unlawful and are violating various provisions of the Constitution.

President Uhuru on Thursday, September 13, 2018 availed the new duty police uniform among other changes in the structure and command of the police service.

The Head of State said, he believed the new changes were actionable and would be implemented to conclusion.

“Today I have launched the policy framework and strategy for the NPS. It reflects ambition I expect and the recommendations are actionable and will be implemented to conclusion,” he said.

The Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has also faulted the President's move. The MP accused the President of breaching the Constitution.

“I have seen the media reports of the adjustments made to the Police Service by the President. It appears to me, on the face of it, that the same are unconstitutional, however well meaning, in view of A. 242 & 245(3) Of Constitution, and w/o Parliament input A.94(5),” he tweeted.