Police chief’s career comes to abrupt end
What you need to know:
- Mr Kimaiyo holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Administration and a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of South Africa and University of Leicester, respectively.
- Mr Kimaiyo served as Presidential Escort Unit commander from 1999 to 2002 before becoming commandant of the General Service Unit between 2002 and 2003.
- Prior to his appointment as inspector-general, he was head of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The career of Inspector-General of Police David Mwole Kimaiyo, which was characterised by frequent terrorist attacks, came to an end Tuesday when he announced his retirement.
The 53-year-old Mr Kimaiyo was named head of the National Police Service on December 24, 2012 after he beat Mr John Patrick Ochieng’ Owino and Ms Grace Kaindi in interviews conducted by the National Police Service Commission.
Since he took over, he has been blamed for lacking a strategy to address insecurity in the country as Kenyans lose their lives to incessant attacks by the Somali-based terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
Yesterday President Kenyatta said he had held a meeting with Mr Kimaiyo, who, he said, had served the nation with dedication and commitment.
“Mr David Kimaiyo offered to retire. And I have accepted the request and therefore, take this opportunity to thank him for his many years of service to our nation,” Mr Kenyatta said in an address to the nation.
STAUNCH CHRISTIAN
Mr Kimaiyo holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Administration and a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of South Africa and University of Leicester, respectively.
A staunch Christian, Mr Kimaiyo also holds a Bachelor and a Master of Theology, both from the Beacon University Institute of Ministry in the United States.
He is currently studying for a PhD in Criminology and Social Order at the University of Nairobi.
Mr Kimaiyo served as Presidential Escort Unit commander from 1999 to 2002 before becoming commandant of the General Service Unit between 2002 and 2003.
He then worked for one year as coordinator of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons before taking up the role of Director of Operations of the Kenya Police until 2008.
Between 2008 and 2009, he worked as a Senior Deputy Secretary in the ministry of National Heritage.
Prior to his appointment as inspector-general, he was head of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
