Change of guard in Kenya's Police force

• An early morning meeting between Kibaki and Raila culminates in President calling Ali and ordering him to fall out amid clamour for major reforms in the Police Force

“I take pride that for the six years I have been at the head of the police force no financial scandal has been committed. I will walk with my head held high because I have served with loyalty. Even as I leave the police force, I hope I have left it a better place than I found it. I am proud to have served in the police force for the last six years,” the former police boss said.

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He said he initiated many reforms during his tenure including community policing in 2005, promotion based on merit and procurement and construction of housing for police officers countrywide.

Dismissed reports

Maj-Gen Ali said that during his tenure crime levels had gone down by 13 per cent compared to when he took over in 2004.

The former police boss, who addressed journalists for more than 45 minutes before formally introducing his successor, dismissed the Waki, Alston and Kriegler reports that accused the police in general and him in person of extrajudicial killings and other misconduct, saying he and the force performed their duties in accordance with the law.

He said the reports were not based on evidence.

Mr Iteere has been the General Service Unit commandant for the last four years.

He said his priority was to stop organised crime and traffic offences.

He promised to reintroduce the Police Operations Procedure which he said would be followed to the book.