Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday left many Kenyans surprised after he openly pleaded to be allowed to call a judge to persuade the court to review orders that halted the ongoing police recruitment exercise.
This comes after the Labour Court suspended the police recruitment, set to begin on October 3, until a petition filed by ex-MP Harun Mwau is heard and determined.
Speaking during the 48th Jukwaa la Usalama, Nairobi City County Chapter, at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete, Murkomen expressed frustration over such a decision to halt the recruitment, questioning whether the judiciary had considered the national implications.
''I wish that I would personally be allowed to call the judge to explain why the court issued orders stopping something so important as this that has not happened in the last four years,'' Murkomen remarked.
The CS added that while he hoped the matter would soon be resolved, he wanted clarity on whether the judiciary understood the consequences of halting such a critical national exercise.
''I believe that would be sorted. But I wanted to understand whether they understand the consequences of a court order stopping something that is of such national significance,'' he added.
Murkomen emphasised that the recruitment was not only meant to secure Kenya’s borders but also to replace officers who have passed on or retired, while ensuring the country has sufficient security personnel to support upcoming elections.
Court Orders
Murkomen is known for making controversial remarks and has, in the past, not shied away from criticising those he perceived as obstacles to the execution of his duties.
His comments are, likely to reignite debate on the independence of the Judiciary and possible interference by the Executive, given that Murkomen himself is an officer of the court, serving as an advocate of the High Court.
On July 15, this year, Murkomen slammed the Judiciary over a Ksh50,000 cash bail granted to suspects accused of invading a hospital in Kitengela during the Saba Saba Day protests.
According to the CS, the suspects were released on bail of Ksh50,000, a punishment he described as too lenient.
Nearly a week later, on July 23, the CS lashed out at the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, accusing her and the organisation of defending individuals he termed as “criminals” and “terrorists.”
Murkomen made the remarks during the Jukwaa la Usalama press briefing in Uasin Gishu County, where he expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of legal professionals prioritising the rights of suspects over the security of citizens.
The nationwide recruitment of the officers is now set to begin on Friday, October 3, and run till Thursday, October 9, from 8am to 5pm, at gazetted recruitment centres.
