The Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee members have underscored the urgency for prompt action to probe and solve the confusion caused by the overlapping of duties between the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Chair and the Commission as a whole, particularly concerning the functions performed by inspector General (IG) and the ex-officio members of the NPSC.
They also expressed their deep concerns about the rise in reported fatalities among police officers due to depression, instances of inter-officer violence, incidents of suicide, and the confusion caused by the overlapping of duties.
Speaking at a retreat held at Pride Inn Shanzu, the Chairperson of the committee, Gathoni Wamuchomba said that the retreat was set to deal with matters that have been pending concerning the implementation of the constitution by the National Police Service Commission.
Being an independent commission, she noted that their mandate is to oversee the operations of the National Police Service and ensure the constitution is aligned with its mandate to serve the public of Kenya.
‘We have received several letters from the NPSC full of lamentations on matters related to the infringement of their rights and of great concern is the conflict of overlap of duties between the NPSC Chair and the Commission in totality in respect to the work that Is being done by the Inspector General (IG) and the ex-official members of the NPSC,” she said.
“There is a growing concern about a significant number of police officers resorting to substance use as a coping mechanism to contend with life challenges which is attributed to mounting frustrations and depression stemming from various sources,” Wamuchomba noted.
She emphasized that it is important to have a dialogue to look into this matter and find solutions because the Police are a vital body in the country.
Wamuchomba mentioned that there had been a previous retreat held in Nairobi, during which, after extensive deliberation and discussion, it was collectively acknowledged that the issues to be addressed were weighty and warranted a two-day retreat. However, she observed that members of the NPSC failed to attend the retreat.
She remarked that the presence of the Inspector General or his deputies would have been greatly appreciated as a positive gesture and a symbol of optimism for fruitful discussions aimed at addressing the welfare of police officers.
The vice Chair of the Committee, Gitonga Mukunji, who is also a Member of Parliament Manyatta Constituency said that the IG had committed to attend the two-day retreat.
Mukunji expressed disappointment over the inability to engage in a constructive dialogue to seek solutions, particularly regarding security issues and the functioning of security organs.
“We urge the IG to abide by the law and meet with us so that we can find a way to resolve matters affecting the members and the functioning of the National Police Service Commission,” Mukunji said.
It was noted that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Prof. Kithure Kindiki appeared at the previous Committee meeting, provided clarifications on various matters of concern, and authorized the committee to extend an invitation to the IG for further clarification regarding the existing confusion within their commission.
The Committee extended another invite to the NPSC particularly the IG so that they can have a dialogue and find solutions.
By Fatma Said
