Put on hold police recruits’ reporting date, demand MPs

MPs on Wednesday said that the reporting date of 10,000 police recruits will be postponed over claims of irregularities.

Parliament ordered its Administration and National Security Committee to investigate the allegations before the recruits report for training.

They were scheduled to report on August 5, but Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso ordered the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to put on hold the start of training.

“I order that the reporting date be postponed until the matter is concluded,” ruled Dr Laboso.

“The committee should move with speed to ensure the answers are given,” she said during the House proceedings on Wednesday.

The decision was a response to questions by Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa following a public outcry over claims of corruption, regional imbalance, nepotism and tribalism in the recently-concluded recruitment.

Chairman Asman Kamama had told the Assembly that his committee had written to the police, asking that the reporting date be put off to allow investigations. (READ: Kavuludi launches police hiring audit)

The MPs demanded the nullification of the whole selection.

Although the NPSC had indicated it would investigate the claims, Kipipiri MP Samuel Gichigi protested, saying it should not investigate its own conduct.

Members questioned the procedure applied in the recruitment.