Fresh row at police team as boss is fired

A fresh row has erupted at the National Police Service Commission after its chief executive Elijah Achoch was sent home — barely six months after taking office.

His five-year contract was terminated in a letter dated September 26, in which the commission cited “improper conduct and failure to implement the commission’s decisions.”

Documents seen by the Nation also reveal that Mr Achoch was sent home because the commission felt that he had failed to meet deadlines, and was absent from office for days without permission.

He was on probation, which was supposed to end on October 24.

The fired boss went to court on Friday and obtained orders to continue serving until the matter is heard and determined.

Contacted, the commission’s chairman Johnston Kavuludi said: “We followed due process intended to protect NPSC and instil the culture of performance and productivity.”
One of the communications seen by the Nation showed that the commission was forced to return Sh12 million to the Treasury, and the commissioners blamed it on Mr Achoch.
An official privy to the workings of the commission further revealed specific cases that led to the fallout.
He said Mr Achoch had been directed to advertise posts of directors and research assistants, but went ahead to seek recruitment of lower cadre staff like managers, clerks, secretaries and drivers.
And when the commission moved headquarters from Luther Plaza to Skypak building in Westlands, the CEO had stayed put for another week after the rest of the staff moved, according to the official.
He said that it cost the commission extra expenditure in rent — another reason the commissioners were unhappy with Mr Achoch.
Mr Onyango Omumu has been appointed acting CEO.