Why top police bosses should be elected by citizens – Wajackoyah
Why top police bosses should be elected by citizens - Wajackoyah
Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah has proposed the election of top police bosses to enhance transparency and accountability in Kenya’s law enforcement system.
In an update on Friday, April 11, Wajackoyah noted that if elected president, his administration would introduce changes to the National Police Service Act, enabling citizens to elect Sub County Police Commanders (SCPC).
He explained that this approach would empower citizens to have a direct say in who leads local policing efforts, ultimately improving public trust in the police.
Wajackoyah stated that the vetting process for candidates would still be handled by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to ensure only qualified candidates appear on the ballot.
“The proposal will enhance transparency and accountability. Vetting for the ideal candidates will be conducted by the National Police Service Commission,” he said.
Wajackoyah defended the proposal, citing the United States, where local police chiefs or sheriffs are often elected by the people.
He argued that this practice increases the efficiency of officers by holding them more directly accountable to the public.
The proposal comes days after the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was on the receiving end for addressing a public rally held by President William Ruto in Nyeri County.
Following the move by Kanja, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) demanded that he apologizes for attending the event, noting that the IG was expected to be impartial and serve all Kenyans regardless of their political views.
“In the circumstances, the Law Society of Kenya demands an immediate public apology by the Inspector-General for his conduct yesterday, which is unbecoming of the position he holds.
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“In the alternative, we invite Mr. Kanja to step aside from the position of Inspector-General and allow the role to be occupied by an individual willing to serve all Kenyans without imposing their political biases on the people of Kenya,” LSK President Faith Odhiambo noted in her statement.
However, in a rejoinder, the National Police Service (NPS) said Kanja’s presence in Nyeri was for official duties, particularly overseeing security arrangements during the President’s development tour.
“The IG’s presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including oversight of security arrangements during the President’s development tour, a core mandate of the NPS under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011 and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8.
“The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General of Police,” the statement added.
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