Dr. Amani Komora is the new chairperson of the NPSC. He was sworn in last week. Since then, he has pledged to restore unity in the divided commission. On Friday, he will chair his first meeting at CBK Pension Towers. The agenda includes his introduction and the stalled recruitment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Komora said ending divisions is his top priority. He also stressed that teamwork is vital for the commission’s mandate. Therefore, his task is urgent. Inspector General Douglas Kanja, his deputies, and other commissioners are under pressure to admit recruits on time.
However, the dispute centers on a proposed online recruitment system. The National Security Council directed applicants to use the platform. But IG Kanja, his deputies Gilbert Masengeli and Eliud Lagat, and DCI boss Mohammed Amin oppose the plan. They argue it was rushed without consultation. In addition, some commissioners say decisions are being forced without formal meetings or records.
As a result, tensions escalated after a letter exchange between IG Kanja and commission CEO Peter Leley. On August 6, Mr. Leley revoked all human resource powers earlier delegated to the IG. He also copied the letter to top government offices. Consequently, the move showed how deep the standoff has become.
At the same time, President Ruto has pushed for reforms in the police service. He wants irregular hiring, skewed promotions, and welfare issues addressed. Nonetheless, the wrangles now threaten the urgent task recruiting new officers before the October deadline.
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