Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya termed the launching of Lanet Police Station by Deputy President William Ruto as shambolic.
Speaking to the media on Monday, December 20, Natembeya argued that the right procedure for opening the station at Bahati, Nakuru County was not adhered to.
The police boss noted that a proper handing over ceremony will be convened after a thorough investigation into the matter is conducted.
“Shambolic. Politics played a more prominent role than the objective of the station. We cannot politicize security. If a politician is building a public facility, once done, they should hand it over to the community, and not let it be politically partisan.
"We want to take responsibility for things that have happened under our watch,” Natembeya stated.
The officer - who serves under the Ministry of Interior led by Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i - questioned the motive behind the National Government - Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) inscription on the police station.
“When you build such a beautiful building and have so many writings on it, you are defacing it yourself. Government funds don’t have patronage; they are taxpayers' money. Let’s not take personal advantage and claim public projects,” Natembeya cautioned.
Ruto launched the station on Saturday, December 18 alongside the area MP Kimani Ngunjiri, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika and other leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Soon after the launch, the plaque bearing Ruto’s name at the station was vandalised. The writing on the station’s wall bearing the NG-CDF logo and MP Kimani Ngujiri’s name were also defaced.
Ngunjiri lamented that the vandalism was politically motivated, and vowed to move to court to seek redress. Other Ruto allies alleged that the plot was orchestrated by CS Matiang'i and the police.
Police spokesman Bruno Shioso, however, defended the officers from the allegations explaining that the establishment and gazettement of a police station or post, including equipping and staffing, is a preserve of the Inspector General of Police.
"Decisions of whichever nature must originate from him and not otherwise. That's the law, and that's the Service Standing Orders. Was the alleged opening sanctioned and/or coordinated with the IG or his Office?
"Was due internal process followed? I'd be glad to know that before I further comment," he added.
Meanwhile, Kibra MP Bernard Imran Okoth, also launched the Kibra Police Station funded by the National Government - Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) on Wednesday, December 15.
