Ipoa objects Muhoro, Kimilu hiring over integrity claims

By CYRUS OMBATI

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has opposed the nomination of current CID director Ndegwa Muhoro and his deputy Gideon Kimilu for the post of the Director of Criminal Investigations.

On Wednesday Ipoa wrote to the President and Prime Minister objecting the nomination, citing “serious allegations” touching on their integrity.

Chairman Macharia Njeru said in the letter dated December 11 the two have pending allegations that need to be thoroughly and independently interrogated considering the importance of the office of the DCI in a reformed National Police Service.

“The Ipoa board had today consequently resolved that we recommend, which we hereby do, that you uphold the appointment of any of the two to the office to enable us carry out independent investigations on allegations against them,” read the letter in part.

Njeru cited a complaint raised by a Ms Jane Wanjiru Iriga against Muhoro, which, he said, were forwarded to the authority by the National Police Service Commission. He, however, did not explain the nature of the complaint raised to the commission.

Apart from Muhoro and Kimilu, the head of Interpol in Nairobi Mary Kaol is ranked third in the list of nominees for the post. The names of the nominees have been gazetted after being sent to the Office of the President and that of the PM on Monday for consideration.

The new development may delay the process but sources at OP said the successful candidate will be named and gazetted before next week.

The NPSC sent the names yesterday afternoon after tallying and analysing the performance of all the candidates who appeared before it for interviews and awarded Muhoro a 95 per cent score.

Another source added the process was delayed because Muhoro had to be recalled to the commission for fresh questioning following fresh complaints on him, which happens to be from Ms Iriga.

“The accuser appeared and was asked to swear an affidavit before Muhoro was asked to appear there again. We are informed he faired well and so the objection by Ipoa is immaterial for now,” added the source at OP.

A NPSC commissioner, who requested anonymity, said they were satisfied with the list they forwarded to the principals. A total of 12 candidates had been interviewed for the position.

Another source said the successful candidates for the posts of Inspector General of Police and two deputies will be named and gazetted this week.

In the letter, Ipoa said the appointment of the IG and two deputies should be done in accordance with the law and not tied to that of the DCI.

Last week, Ipoa said President Kibaki had breached the law by failing to gazette the names of successful candidates. He was supposed to gazette the names on November 30 (seven days after he received the names from NPSC).

In its letter, the authority said there was urgent need for the appointments to be made particularly taking into account the IG is required to be vetted by Parliament.

NPSC nominated David Kimaiyo, Patrick Ochieng’ Owino and Grace Kaindi for IG, Muhoro, Judy Ndeda and Jasper Ombati for deputy IG for Kenya Police and Samuel Arachi, Kimilu and David Ngondi for deputy IG for Administration Police.