MPs to vet Kibaki nominee for police chief

Posted by BERNARD MOMANYI on December 18, 2012

A source at the Office of the President told Capital FM News that Kimaiyo’s name was forwarded to Parliament at the weekend for endorsement/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya 18 – President Mwai Kibaki has picked David Kimaiyo to be the first Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service.

Kimaiyo, who is a former director of police operations, will now await approval by Parliament.

A source at the Office of the President told Capital FM News that Kimaiyo’s name was forwarded to Parliament at the weekend for endorsement.

“The name was sent after consensus was reached between the principals,” the source said.

Head of the Civil Service Francis Kimemia confirmed the name of the president’s nominee had been sent to Parliament, but was unwilling to divulge who it was.

“The nominee will be named in Parliament,” Kimemia said.

Capital FM News also learnt that President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga had settled on Criminal Investigations Director (CID) director Ndegwa Muhoro as deputy inspector general in charge of the police and Samuel Arachi to be in charge of Administration Police. Arachi is currently the acting AP Commandant.

The source said the principals are also in agreement that Interpol Liaison Officer Mary Kaol be appointed Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, a post currently held by Muhoro.

The name of the nominee for Inspector General was expected to be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday while those of the two deputies and CID chief will be gazetted before their formal appointment.

The parliamentary committee on Security that is headed by Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi will then vet the IG nominee before giving its recommendations.

Kimemia has assured that the government is committed to ensuring comprehensive police reforms are achieved in the country as outlined in the constitution.

The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has previously accused the Executive of delays in making the crucial police appointments, despite having received names from the National Police Service Commission.

IPOA chairman Macharia Njeru said the “appointments are long overdue.”

Those nominated were among nine candidates shortlisted to the positions by the NPSC that is headed by Johnston Kavuludi, following rigorous interviews that were carried out in public at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi.

Once appointed, the new Inspector General of Police will take over from current Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere, but will only serve for a single four-year-term that will not be renewed.