NAIROBI: There was a collective sigh of relief in North Rift when Joseph Boinett was sworn in as the second Inspector General of Police (IG) in Kenya’s history in what residents saw as another reward for the Rift Valley region.
Residents have been apprehensive after former security chief David Kimaiyo resigned last year amid a wave of insecurity attacks across the country. Leaders from Rift Valley made it clear that his successor must also come from the region.
During his swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga at the Supreme Court Wednesday, Boinett pledged to serve Kenyans without discrimination.
“I will discharge all my duties according to the law and without fear, favour or affection or ill will, so help me God,” he said. “Having worked both in the intelligence and police service, I clearly understand the distinct roles of both.”
Immediately after the event, he left for a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Boinett said corruption was a threat to national security. “I will confront entrenched cultures of impunity, corruption and abuse of human rights head on,” he said.
Among those present during the brief session were Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaiserry, Attorney General Githu Muigai, Interior Principal Secretary Monica Juma, National Police Service Commission Chairman Johnston Kavuludi, deputy IGs Samuel Arachi and Grace Kaindi, Criminal Investigations Director Ndegwa Muhoro and Solicitor General Njee Muturi.
Leaders from Elgeyo/Marakwet, Boinett’s home county, led by governor Alex Tolgos, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, MPs Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South) and David Kangogo (Marakwet East) said they were elated over his confirmation.
UPHOLDS MERIT
Boinett’s entry into the crucial docket has been lauded by many leaders and Rift Valley residents who say he is capable of countering the spiralling insecurity based on his previous experience as external intelligence assistant director at the National Intelligence Service.
Expectations are high in conflict-riddled counties of West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo and parts of Samburu.
Turkana South MP James Lomenen expressed optimism over Boinett’s appointment. “I believe having knowledge of his backyard will make Boinett prioritise ending the feuds and securing the region that has witnessed little development due to insecurity,” said Lomenen.
Elgeyo/Marakwet leaders told The Standard that as a well-trained policeman, with an excellent track record, Boinett is well-suited to head the security docket and effect a series of much-needed changes to seal security loopholes.
“We are grateful this government is mindful of its support base,” said governor Tolgos.
However, Murkomen said the Jubilee administration nominated and finally approved Boinett as the new IG based on his splendid performance as a policeman. “The Government does not act on ultimatums but upholds merit as in the case of Boinett,” said the senator.
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Kiptanui said Boinett would help achieve co-operation among functions in the security sector.
However, embattled Baringo County Assembly Speaker Kassait Kamket said the insecurity issues waiting on Boinett’s in-tray are beyond individual excellence and require collective co-operation.
The tenure kicks off amid anxiety within the police service over reports of looming changes. This followed reports he would go in with a number of advisers.
—Silah Koskei, Michael Ollinga and Cyrus Ombati
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