Murkomen Reaffirms IG Kanja NPS Command: Upholds Police Independence

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reaffirmed the Inspector General's constitutional command over the National Police Service.
• Murkomen specified the IG's authority covers investigations, promotions, and officer deployment without external interference.
• He emphasized adherence to Article 245 of the Constitution, which guarantees police independence.
• The CS clarified his role as providing policy direction in writing, not operational command.
• Murkomen also advised new police recruits to uphold discipline and avoid corruption.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen unequivocally stated that the Inspector General of Police maintains constitutional command over the National Police Service, particularly concerning investigations, promotions, and the deployment of officers.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently affirmed the constitutional authority of the Inspector General of Police over the National Police Service. Speaking at a passing-out parade for new Administration Police recruits in Nairobi, Murkomen underscored that the Inspector General holds definitive command over critical operational functions within the service, including the conduct of investigations, the process of promotions, and the strategic deployment of officers. This declaration by Murkomen reaffirms IG Kanja's NPS command, emphasizing that these powers are to be exercised without interference from any quarter, including the Cabinet Secretary himself.

In his remarks, Cabinet Secretary Murkomen explicitly committed to respecting Article 245 of the Constitution, which safeguards the independence of the Kenya police. He addressed and dismissed criticisms leveled against the Inspector General's office, characterizing some proponents of such criticism as tribalists and propagandists. Murkomen expressed unwavering confidence in the leadership of the police service, stating his belief that all actions undertaken by the National Police Service are guided by constitutional principles.

Murkomen further clarified his own role regarding the police, distinguishing it from operational command. He explained that his responsibility primarily involves providing policy direction, which he consistently delivers in writing. This approach, he noted, is intended to support the independence of the National Police Service from external interference, thereby defining the scope of Kenya Interior Ministry police oversight without encroaching on the IG Kanja powers investigations promotions. His statements aimed to reinforce the constitutional lines of authority, ensuring that Kipchumba Murkomen police powers are exercised within their prescribed limits.

During the ceremony, which marked the entry of new recruits into the police service, Cabinet Secretary Murkomen also took the opportunity to offer guidance to the newly graduated officers. He issued a stern warning against engaging in corruption, excessive alcohol consumption, and any conduct that could tarnish the reputation of the police service. Murkomen stressed the importance of discipline and urged the recruits to uphold the dignity associated with the police uniform.

He highlighted that the level of respect the public accords them would largely depend on their professional conduct and adherence to ethical standards. The Cabinet Secretary encouraged the new officers to fully grasp the significant responsibility that accompanies joining the National Police Service and to execute their duties strictly within the framework of the Constitution and established laws.

This statement clarifies the constitutional lines of authority within the Kenyan National Police Service, reinforcing that the Inspector General, not the Interior CS, holds operational command. Lawyers advising on police accountability, challenging police actions, or assessing the legality of directives should note this reaffirmation of Article 245, as it underscores the independence of police operations from political interference.

Source: Reporting based on statements from the Interior Cabinet Secretary.