Police to have new bosses in January
Kenyans can expect to have an Inspector General of Police and two deputies by end of January next year, according to Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti.
He made the announcement when he outlined the ongoing police reforms at the third Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation conference in Nairobi.
Prof Saitoti told the conference that the reforms in the police are part of the preparations for the elections.
Play a big role
“Police will play a big role leading up to the elections, during the elections and after the elections. Fundamental changes must be made to address new challenges,” he said.
Prof Saitoti said the force would provide security during all campaign rallies, guard election officials and observers and election materials.
“On the voting day, we will provide security throughout the country to ensure Kenyans exercise their democratic right to elect leaders, secure all polling stations and tallying centres,” he said.
The minister, who attended Monday’s meeting briefly before leaving quietly, turned up on Tuesday to deal with the questions concerning his docket.
He refuted claims from participants that police were engaged in extra-judicial killings and said they have re-trained them to ensure they respected human rights.
“The government doesn’t condone extra-judicial killings and we have executed reforms to ensure it doesn’t happen. Those found to have been involved are dealt with,” he said.
He noted that the country has already enacted three laws — National Police Service Act, National Police Service Commission Act and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act — relating to police reforms.
Prof Saitoti also said the government had also revived 150 Districts Peace Committees to enhance peace ahead of the polls.
