The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) wants President William Ruto to surrender some of his appointing powers in naming the next substantive Inspector General of Police (IG).
KHRC in a statement on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, called on President Ruto to honor a Taskforce on Police reforms which recommended a competitive recruitment of the Police IG post.
The Commission called for competitive recruitment of the next police boss and all other senior police officers to restore sanctity within the police service.
KHRC referenced the Maraga National Taskforce on Police Welfare and Reforms that recommended steps such as advertising for the post, interviews contrary to the current mode of selection where the President expressly appoints officer holder.
If the recommendation is anything to go by, this would mean trimming the powers of President Ruto in deciding who heads the police force.
Also Read: Japheth Koome Resigns, Ruto Appoints New IG
“The Maraga National Taskforce on Police Welfare and Reforms whose report has been submitted to the President recommends the reinstatement of competitive recruitment processes for the IG, Directors of Internal Affairs and Criminal Investigations, and Deputy Inspector Generals of KPS and AP.
We call on His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto to act on this recommendation and competitively recruit for the next IG and restore NPSC’s role in recruiting all senior police officers,” read part of the statement.
KHRC Recommendation on Appointment of Police IG
According to the Commission, the appointment of a progressive IG who will exercise independent command over the NPS and perform any other functions prescribed by national legislation remains in the public interest.
Also Read: National Police Declares Deputy IG Posts Vacant; Requirements & How to Apply
KHRC in its recommendation highlighted that the appointee must meet the key qualifications enshrined in section 11 of the NPS Act.
These include being a citizen of Kenya, holding a degree from a university recognized in Kenya, demonstrated distinction in their career and meeting the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
“Having served in a senior management position for at least fifteen years and has knowledge and experience in matters relating to any of the following disciplines: criminal justice; policy development and implementation; finance and public administration; strategic management; security; law; sociology; or Government,” the Commission adds.
Civilian Inspector General
At the same time, KHRC urged President Ruto to consider appointing a civilian IG who will act professionally and uphold human rights.
“In line with these key qualifications, we urge the President to strongly also consider competitively appointing a civilian to head the National Police Service,” said KHRC.
While addressing police conduct and accountability, the Commission said that the lack of accountability and the belief that their superiors will embolden police officers to use unlawful force against protesters and members of the public.
To break this cycle, KHRC highlighted that superiors must be held criminally liable in line with the principle of command responsibility, especially where the violations committed satisfy the threshold of international crimes under the International Crimes Act (2008).
The recommendations by the Commission came following the resignation of former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in a statement on Friday, July 12, 2024, said that President Ruto accepted Koome’s resignation while also announcing Douglas Kanja as the acting National Police Service (NPS) IG.
Kanja, who was the Deputy IG of the Kenya Police Service, will now serve as the acting Inspector General pending the nomination, parliamentary approval, and appointment of a new one.
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