Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Kenya policemen opposed to change, says ex-officer



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PHOTO/JARED NYATAYA  Mr Festus Litiku, chairs the selection panel seeking to recruit nine commissioners to the National Police Service Commission, during an interview session at the KICC in Nairobi.
PHOTO/JARED NYATAYA Mr Festus Litiku, chairs the selection panel seeking to recruit nine commissioners to the National Police Service Commission, during an interview session at the KICC in Nairobi. 
By FRED MUKINDA fmukinda@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Tuesday, February 14  2012 at  22:30
Some police officers are opposed to reforms in the force, a former policeman said during interviews for police service commission jobs on Tuesday.
Mr Fred Kibaara, who left the force as a chief inspector, told the panellists that once in place, the National Police Service Commission should expect hostility in trying to change a “culture that has existed for over 100 years.”
He claimed that police operations were marred by “favouritism and nepotism” while lack of transport, housing and insurance cover weighed down service delivery.
“Hostility is expected,” he said, adding: “It’s not an easy task but it’s doable. To start changing that culture is a big challenge.”
The former officer is among 37 candidates seeking a position in the commission that will be tasked with reforming the force by vetting officers, recruiting fresh ones and determining transfers, deployment and promotions.
On how reforms could be achieved, he said: “Get the right people into the police through the vetting process and give them the tools of trade, transport, housing and health insurance, among other things. You will not find nepotism and favouritism any more.”
Mr Kibaara was the third applicant to be interviewed on Tuesday after Mr Hassan Lakicha and Mr Wyclief Swanya.
Conflict of interest
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“In doing business that could cause conflict of interest, it means they will not be impartial when enforcing law and order,” he said.
The sessions at the KICC in Nairobi are open to the public to submit information that may have a bearing on the selection of candidates.

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