Three Kenya Navy officers sent packing

A past Kenya Navy officers parade at the Mombasa International Show on August 30, 2012.

What you need to know:

Article 239 (3) of the Constitution states that:

In performing their functions and exercising their powers, the national security organs and every member of the national security organs shall not—

(a) act in a partisan manner;

(b) further any interest of a political party or cause; or

(c) prejudice a political interest or political cause that is legitimate under this Constitution.

Three Kenya Navy servicemen have been sacked after allegedly attending a political rally in Mombasa two weeks ago.

They are identified as Senior Sergeant John Apollo (33502), Corporal George Ong’onyi (34094) and a corporal only identified as Nyambok (34906).

The three are accused of associating themselves with politics, contrary to the code of ethics governing the military and other discipline forces in Kenya.

Article 239 (3) of the Constitution states that:

In performing their functions and exercising their powers, the national security organs and every member of the national security organs shall not—

(a) act in a partisan manner;

(b) further any interest of a political party or cause; or

(c) prejudice a political interest or political cause that is legitimate under this Constitution.

TOOK PHOTOGRAPHS

Military sources indicate that the three were spotted by Intelligence officers who were covering the rally and took their photographs.

“Last week they were told that their services are no longer required and ordered to vacate the Kenya Navy premises within two hours,” said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

On Monday, the three soldiers returned to the Navy headquarters at Mtongwe, Mombasa to process their release documents from the Kenya Defence Force (KDF).

“They also moved their families who have been residing within the Navy servicemen quarters,” added another source.

KDF spokesman Bogita Ongeri requested for more time to comment on the issue.