Kibaki names new CID boss

President Kibaki has named a new director of the Criminal Investigations Department and created 13 new districts in a rush to beat new constitutional requirements.

Under the new Constitution, the President will require Parliament’s approval to make such appointments. Mr Ndegwa Muhoro is now the country’s top sleuth, replacing Mr Simon Gatiba Karanja who died in May of breathing complications.

The Head of State also appointed Dr Frank Njenga chairman of the National Campaign Against Drug Abuse Board. Dr Njenga will serve for three years.

According to a statement by Internal Security permanent secretary Francis Kimemia, the President created 13 new districts including Tarbaj, Habaswein, Balambala, Ikutha, Kisasi, Matinyani, Katulani, Londiani, Awendo, Sameta, Kipkelion North, Mashru and Kirinyaga North.

This, he said, was in response to requests from several leaders from those areas. Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said he expected the new CID boss to deliver on police reforms being implemented in line with the new Constitution.

“I’ve no doubt he will deliver in his work. He’s expected to capture the needs of a nation, at a time Kenyans are yearning for reforms in the criminal justice system,” said Mr Iteere.

The police boss said education and experience were considered before Mr Muhoro was picked for the job. Mr Peter Eregae, the deputy director of CID, has been holding the office in an acting capacity. Mr Eregae was hosting a team of senior officers at the CID training school in South C, Nairobi, when the news filtered in.

Until his appointment on Thursday, Mr Muhoro was the Commandant of the Kenya Police Staff College, Loresho. He joined the police service in 1991 and has also served under the UN in Sierra Leone. “He is a holder of a masters degree in International Studies from Moi University in 2009.

He graduated from this university in 1990 with an Upper Second Class degree,” said Mr Kimemia. The Internal Security PS described the new CID director as a reformer, and hoped that his appointment would speed up the intended restructuring of the department.

“He has been a key driver for the ongoing police reforms,” said Mr Kimemia.
“We hope that he will improve the department’s corporate effectiveness, integrity, speed and professionalism in crime prevention and overall capacity especially in investigations, prosecutions and research,” he added.

President Kibaki also declared Friday a public holiday to mark the promulgation of the new Constitution. The celebrations, to be held at Uhuru Park, will be graced by among others 10 heads of State.

The President and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are expected to lead five top public officials in taking fresh oaths of office to swear allegiance to the new law.