Neighbourhood Kenya 20th Edition - Kara

More documents

Recommendations

Info

security Police Reforms: Is a civilian service head the answer Is Kenya ready for a civilian police boss This is one question that has triggered fi erce debate in the country amid attempts to have the police service conform to the new constitutional order. The nation is currently awaiting the appointment of members of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), who will subsequently be responsible for the hiring of the country’s fi rst Inspector General of Police. But the fact that the constitution indiscriminately allows any qualifi ed Kenyan to apply for the position has generated controversy. While this might pave way for a civilian to take over the topmost management of the police service, senior offi cers of the Kenya Police have openly opposed any such move. The offi cers are adamant that the Police should be led by a trained professional, with a section of Kenyans also terming this a ploy by non-governmental organizations to have one of them as the police boss. But the issue has attracted as much support as opposition, with some opining that having a civilian police boss will be the best way to cleanse a force that has for decades been dogged by a poor image. Among those who have outrightly opposed the move are Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe and his deputy Charles Owino, as well as Criminal Investigations Department CID Director Ndegwa Muhoro. It is Owino who fi red the fi rst salvo when he stated that Vigilance House, the police headquarters, is not be a training ground for civilians who want to be police officers and get leadership posts. “We have competent offi cers who can be inspector general,” he noted. The CID chief has also made it clear that Kenya is not ready for a civilian police boss. “Police is not G4S, Group 4, Securex or Wells Fargo that needs a managing director to run it well. This is a professional institution that needs a professional to guide it and we have qualified offi cers to be appointed to that position,” he exclaimed. The comments have drawn mixed reactions from the government and private sector, with some even accusing Owino of threatening mutiny in the police force while enjoying the blessings of his seniors. But Owino has since made his position clear. He says the constitution calls for a professional to be the inspector general of police and notes that in his opinion; only a trained police offi cer can be deemed a professional in police matters. “Let’s not have formed opinions that we do not have qualifi ed policemen. What I said is that we do not need a civilian police boss now since you cannot separate operation and management within the police force,” he notes. And being an election year, Owino notes that the country should not gamble with security by hiring a civilian, a move he says would inevitably draw some form of resistance. But he is quick to note that the force would not mind having an experienced foreigner as the boss in the meantime in a bid to facilitate a smooth transition. 8.
security “Let the best brains come forward but the fact is that we will beat civilians hands down during interviews,” he affi rms. Police spokesman Kiraithe echoes Owino’s views. “The inspector general of police is, as established under the constitution, supposed to take command. He is neither a politician nor a supervisor, but a commander. Those talking about a civilian police boss are missing the point,” he says. Kiraithe says the police force ought to be led by a qualifi ed police offi cer but assures that if a civilian gets the nod, he will be welcomed and supported. But there are those who believe the police force should be marshaled by a civilian if the perceived culture of impunity within the force is to be checked. Muslim for Human Rights (Muhuri) Executive Director Khalid Hussien says the police force should be led by a civilian as the inspector general if it is serious about reforms. He states that only a civilian will inject fresh blood into a police service that he notes is characterized by deep impunity and a culture of mistrust. “The judiciary has already set precedence by hiring Dr. Willy Mutunga from the NGO and he has brought significant reforms within a very short time. The police should not be an exceptionand should hire a qualifi ed outsider who stands for change,” Khalid states. He disputes claims by senior police offi cers that only trained policemen can qualify as security professionals and notes that the private sector has well-educated and experienced security experts who can deliver. But there are those who believe the position should be handed to any qualified Kenyan, provided he delivers quality service. “It matters less where the inspector general will come from, be it a civilian or a police offi cer provided he is qualified and meets the set standards,” states Capt [Rtd] Simiyu Werunga, a security expert. He urges police officers opposing a civilian as the inspector general to hold their guns and welcome any outcome as they are not the ones who advocated for reforms in the police force. Werunga’s sentiments are echoed by former Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) commissioner Omar Hassan, who affi rms that the constitution allows any qualifi ed Kenyan to apply for the police top job. Former Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia has also been quick to call for calm among police offi cers opposing the hiring of a civilian, saying the constitution should not be opposed. Kimemia, who is noe head of civil service, wonders why police are reluctant to accept a civilian as their boss yet the military has never had such protests despite being led by the president, who is a civilian. Before the current Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere assumed offi ce, the police force was under Major Gen. Hussein Ali, a military man who albeit taking time to settle in his job, was deemed effective. 9.
Page 1: MARCH 2012 20TH EDITION neighbourho
Page 4 and 5: COVER STORY From Page 3 New justice
Page 6 and 7: PERSPECTIVE Italian Ambassador: The
Page 10 and 11: FOCUS As 2012 maneuvers the teethin
Page 12 and 13: ADVERTORIAL HIGH QUALITY MEAT PRODU
Page 14 and 15: TRANSPORT Mixed reactions over phas
Page 16 and 17: ECONOMY Cartels reap from miseries
Page 18 and 19: INFRASTRUCTURE Blessings and curse
Page 20 and 21: MESSAGE NEWS One of the key pillars
Page 22 and 23: NEWS 02 Feb - KARA Lamu County Prof
Page 24: Partnerships for the awards are inv

Neighbourhood Kenya 20th Edition - Kara

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?