The Labour Court has issued a suspension on the decision made by Inspector General (IG) Japheth Koome to promote 514 police officers, pending the hearing of a case challenging the legality of the procedure.
Senator Okiya Omtatah and activist Michael Otieno have contested the promotions, arguing that they are in violation of the law.
Justice Byram Ongaya, in his ruling, ordered the suspension of the promotions until the case is heard.
Furthermore, the court has directed the National Police Service (NPS) to convene a meeting with all parties involved to find an amicable resolution to the dispute. The case will be mentioned on June 29 for further instructions from the court.
In the midst of the controversy surrounding the promotions, there is internal strife within the National Police Service Commission, with Chair Eliud Kinuthia nullifying the promotions.
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Among those promoted were General Service Unit Commandant Eliud Lagat, Deputy Director of DCI Nicholas Kamwende, and head of Investigations at DCI Abdallah Komesha, all elevated to the rank of Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police.
David Birech, the Internal Affairs Unit director, and the newly appointed regional police commanders were also among those promoted. Legal professionals, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chair Eric Theuri, have criticized IG Koome’s actions, stating that the law does not grant him the authority to make appointments or determine promotions within the NPS.
The LSK President further emphasized that Koome’s actions violate the Constitution, the NPS Act, and the National Police Service Commission Act, potentially warranting the removal of the Inspector General from office.
