Kenyan Oversight Committee Calls for Action on Police Welfare and Operational Clarity

Shanzu, Kenya – The Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee has called for urgent action to address issues plaguing the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), including role confusion and concerns over police welfare. The call was made during a retreat at the Pride Inn Shanzu, aimed at resolving longstanding constitutional implementation issues.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Chairperson of the committee, the overlap of duties between the NPSC Chair and the Commission, especially in relation to the roles of the Inspector General (IG) and the ex-officio members, has led to significant operational confusion. This has been compounded by an increase in police fatalities related to depression, substance use, and inter-officer violence. “We have received several letters from the NPSC full of lamentations concerning the infringement of their rights and the conflict of overlapping duties,” Wamuchomba stated.

The committee emphasized the importance of dialogue and solution-finding, highlighting the police as a crucial institution for national security. Wamuchomba noted the challenges police officers face, including mounting frustrations and depression, which some officers are countering with substance use.

The retreat in Shanzu follows a previous gathering in Nairobi, where it was determined that the issues were significant enough to warrant a focused two-day retreat. However, key members of the NPSC, including the Inspector General, failed to attend, which limited the discussion’s potential impact. “The presence of the Inspector General or his deputies would have been greatly appreciated as a positive gesture and a symbol of optimism for fruitful discussions aimed at addressing the welfare of police officers,” Wamuchomba remarked.

Gitonga Mukunji, Vice Chair of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency, expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity for constructive dialogue, especially concerning security operations. Mukunji revealed that the IG had committed to attending the two-day retreat, emphasizing the need for compliance with legal and organizational frameworks to address the issues effectively.

The Committee has extended another invitation to the NPSC, particularly the IG, to engage in dialogue and work towards resolving the internal confusion and enhancing the welfare of police officers. The Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has also been involved, providing clarifications and supporting the committee’s efforts to engage with the NPSC leadership.