Nairobi, Kenya- Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has moved to calm fears of a standoff between the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the National Police Service (NPS) over multibillion-shilling payroll and human resource functions in proposed draft regulations.
Speaking in Nakuru County at the opening of the 28th Jukwaa la Usalama security engagement, Murkomen dismissed claims of a rift, stressing that he will personally present the final regulations to Parliament once a consensus is reached.
“There have been previous debates regarding the role of the Commission and the NPS in recruitment, and sometimes payroll issues are included. We will always strike a balance on what the two can do,” the CS said.
Striking a Middle Ground
Murkomen outlined a possible framework where the NPSC sets policy standards, while the NPS handles recruitment and vetting based on those standards.
“Identifying able men and women to serve in the NPS requires a certain level of expertise. We cannot wish away the role of police officers themselves in scrutinising and hiring, nor the commission’s oversight authority,” he stated.
He revealed that on Wednesday, he will chair a meeting between Inspector General Douglas Kanja and the NPSC to iron out differences, expressing confidence in a peaceful resolution.
“There is no cause for alarm. Public participation is ongoing, and the views gathered from officers and citizens will help us strike the right balance,” Murkomen assured.
Assurances on Police Recruitment
The CS also promised transparency in the upcoming recruitment of 10,000 police officers, warning against bribery and malpractice.
“We will stand firm and ensure the exercise is transparent. Those who take bribes will face the full force of the law,” he said.
Tough Talk on Political Incitement and Gangs
Turning to politics, Murkomen cautioned leaders against inciting ethnic violence during campaigns, vowing equal enforcement of the law regardless of political stature.
“We will not condone acts of incitement, especially by persons looking for votes. Any politician who stirs ethnic tension will face stern action, and we expect the Judiciary to back us on this,” he said.
The CS further warned individuals supporting organised gangs funded through drug trafficking and adulterated alcohol sales.
Murkomen noted that Nakuru County has become a key transit hub for smuggled contraband, including cannabis, cocaine, and illicit brews, and accused some security officers of colluding with criminals.
“I have directed the security team to act decisively to protect our people. This menace has been fuelled by the collusion of officers, and that must stop,” he said.
