Monday, January 16, 2012

Police dismiss calls for a civilian boss



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Kenya police spokesman Eric Kiraithe. Photo/FILE
Kenya police spokesman Eric Kiraithe. Photo/FILE 
By PAUL OGEMBA pogemba@ke.nationmedia.com and TOM  MATOKE  tmatoke@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, January 15  2012 at  22:30
The police department has dismissed calls for a civilian to head the force saying those behind the campaign did not understand security operations.
Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe said the person to be appointed as the Inspector General of Police should understand its operations.
“It’s either they (those calling for a civilian head) do not understand what is happening within the force, they have not done research or have ulterior motive to bring someone who does not want reforms in the police,” Mr Kiraithe told the Nation.
He said that having a civilian boss would be like having someone not qualified as a doctor to head a hospital or someone not trained as a lawyer to head the judiciary. (READ: Who came up with the baloney of a civilian heading the police?)
“The civilians they are talking about will be represented in the Police Service Commission where we will have a Cabinet Secretary and a Permanent Secretary.
“It is only fair to have an Inspector General who understands police operations,” he added.
Former senior Deputy Police Commissioner Samson Cherambos supported the view and called on the government to allow serving officer with a degree to serve as new Inspector General of Police.
“There are many officers with degree qualification whom the government should choose from to be inspector general,” he said.
Their comments came as a section of human rights activists urged disciplinary action against senior police officers who have publicly declared they will not support someone who is not from the force.
Centre for Law and Research International executive director Morris Odhiambo said that the comments were a clear indication that the officers would sabotage the new boss if he is not one of their own.
“Their comments amount to mutiny and action should be taken,” said Mr Odhiambo.
Law Society of Kenya council member Eric Mutua said the Inspector General should be a civilian for effective reforms to be realised in the police force.

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