Rift deepens between Police Commission and NPS over payroll access, HR control

The rift between the Kenya National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and the command of the Kenya Police continues to widen, with the commission now claiming that the police are preventing it from executing its constitutionally mandated functions.

Speaking when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly, NPSC CEO Peter Lelei appealed to Members of Parliament to intervene and allow the commission to operate effectively.

In the Auditor General’s report for the 2022/2023 financial year, Auditor General Nancy Gathungu questioned why the commission was not fulfilling its mandate. This included developing a strategic plan for addressing the human resource and welfare needs of police officers through the formulation and implementation of transformative human resource policies.

These policies were to cover recruitment, appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, human resource audits, appeals, and police welfare.

However, Leley told the committee that the commission had been unable to develop the policies due to hostilities from the police command.

“We had difficulty accessing the payroll for audit to determine the implementation status of the NPSC policies and resolutions,” said Mr. Leley, citing the commission’s strained relationship with the National Police Service (NPS).

“This Parliament has assisted us before, and we are ready to appear here together to be cross-examined. We urge Parliament to enable us to take over the human resource function of the NPS,” Mr. Leley added, calling on the committee to summon Inspector General Japhet Koome.

Leley lamented that, despite multiple attempts, the commission had been denied access to the police payroll, which made it impossible for them to carry out their duties.

However, his comments drew sharp criticism from committee members, who accused the commission of “sleeping on the job” and questioned why the NPSC was seeking help when the Constitution already grants it control over the police payroll.

PAC members Dr. Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula), Maryanne Kitany (Aldai), and Nabii Nabwera criticized the NPSC for failing to act decisively.

“You are being indolent because the Constitution gives you control over the NPS payroll. Go and work — don’t sit on your back,” said Dr. Oundo.

Aldai MP Maryanne Kitany rebuked the commission for failing to execute its duties.

“The law gives the commission explicit functions in detail. You should be telling us that you have started an audit, not seeking our help regarding the NPS,” said Ms. Kitany, also accusing the commission of lacking a strategic plan.

Mr. Nabwera questioned how the police payroll had ended up under the control of the NPS, likening the commission to the biblical Jonah who defied God’s instructions and was swallowed by a whale before being redirected to his original mission.

“When you abdicate duty the way you have done and admit it in writing, you get punished. The CEO has admitted that he doesn’t know his responsibilities. He is intentionally avoiding his duty,” said Mr. Nabwera.