County police chiefs face command hitch

By Cyrus Ombati

Kenya: A conflict between a number of the newly appointed county police commanders is slowing down police operations at various stations.

The commanders’ operations have also been grounded because they do not have resources to use for their work.

A number of the officers who spoke to The Standard said most of the 141 commanders – 47 regular, 47 Administration Police and 47 CID officers – are of the same rank and hence it has become confusing on who should issue orders and at what time.

“You find an OCPD and the new county commanders share the same rank and none of them is ready to listen to the other. This has created a major conflict and confusion,” said one of the commanders whose station has been affected.

Most of the commanders are of the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police.

Police standing orders say in any given set up, the senior most officer is supposed to call meetings and even issue orders.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo could not be reached for the better part of yesterday.

National Police Service Commission Chairman Johnston Kavuludi said he could not comment on the matter. But he said he was aware of the situation.