Former police IG Kimaiyo ends silence on political ambitions
Former Police IG David Kimaiyo during the graduation ceremony at the University of Nairobi on September 2, 2016 where he was awarded with a PhD in Sociology. Dr Kimaiyo has broken his long silence on his political ambitions. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Dr Kimaiyo said he had a wealth of experience in politics and would not go for the post.
- He was speaking in Cherangany during a thanksgiving service to celebrate his graduation with a PhD in Sociology from the University of Nairobi.
- He thanked former President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for nominating him to serve as the IG.
- Police IG Joseph Boinnet said Dr Kimaiyo had motivated him to advance his studies.
Former Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo has broken his long silence on his political ambitions.
Mr Kimaiyo said he was consulting the electorate on which position to contest, with speculation that he would square it out with Senator Kipchumba Murkomen for the Elgeyo-Marakwet Senate seat.
Speaking in Cherangany, Dr Kimaiyo dismissed speculation that he intends to run for a National Assembly seat, saying he had a wealth of experience in politics and would not go for the post.
“I have a wealth of experience in politics, having served in senior positions in previous governments which I will apply once I decide which seat to contest. If there will be calls from any quarter asking me to contest for an elective post, I will gladly honour it,” said Dr Kimaiyo.
Dr Kimaiyo said he was ready to share his skills and experience with leaders from across the political divide.
“At the moment, I cannot say that am out of politics because of my vast experience. I am inviting any political leaders, especially the first-timers, to seek guidance from me as we approach the next elections,” added Dr Kimaiyo.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
He was speaking in Cherangany constituency, Trans Nzoia County, during a thanksgiving service to celebrate his graduation with a PhD in sociology from the University of Nairobi.
He thanked former President Mwai Kibaki and Cord leader Raila Odinga for nominating him to serve as the IG during the grand coalition administration.
“During my tenure I served this country with a lot of respect and dedication and I laud the grand coalition government for nominating me as the first IG and also President Uhuru Kenyatta [for appointing me] as the Kenya Airports Authority chairman,” said Dr Kimaiyo.
The thanksgiving service was also attended by governors Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo-Marakwet), Trans Nzoia Deputy Governor Stanley Tarus, Senators Murkomen (Elgeyo-Marakwet) and Zipporah Kittony (nominated), Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen, Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet and a host of MCAs from Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.
HAILED FOR POLICE REFORMS
Mr Boinnet hailed Dr Kimaiyo for bringing reforms in the National Police Service during his tenure.
“I am proud to say that I am a beneficiary of the many good things done by my predecessor, David Kimaiyo, during his tenure. It was not easy for him. Mr Kimaiyo faced a lot of challenges that some cannot mention in public,” said IG Boinnet.
The IG added that Dr Kimaiyo had motivated him to advance his studies.
Senator Murkomen commended Dr Kimaiyo for the role he had played in the country, saying his decision to pursue higher education was a game changer.
“The knowledge that you have acquired is a game changer in this world and you will no longer go round looking for jobs, instead jobs will come looking for you.
“[Because of your experience], there is nothing that will stop you, Dr Kimaiyo, from fighting for your space in this country,” said Mr Murkomen.
