Controversy over order to surrender uniforms, IDs for special assignment

Charles Owino Police Spokesperson addressing journalist at vigilance house.PHOTO.FIDELIS KABUNYI

About 30 police officers are set to join the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Earlier, there was uncertainty in the National Police Service (NPS) after the officers were ordered to surrender their uniform, identification documents and appointment letters so that they could be given special assignment.

The mystery was further compounded after NPS further ordered the affected officers to proceed to police headquarters to get their discharge certificates before being assigned the special duties.

However, police spokesperson Charles Owino said there was nothing sinister with the discharge clarifying that the officers were being relieved of their duties so that they could take up their appointment with the National Intelligence Service.

"This is quite normal. I'm aware that some officers have been discharged. They have not been sacked or retired. They are transferring their service to NIS which is a different entity and will not be required to be in uniform. It is normal for NIS to recruit from the police service," he added.

The decision was communicated vide a signal dated June 23, 2017 from Vigilance House, police headquarters, instructing the regional coordinators to withdraw the affected officers' kit and issue them with clearance certificates and a copy forwarded to Nairobi.