Otiende Amollo Faults President Uhuru Over Police Reforms

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo opposed major changes made to the structure and functioning of the police service by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The lawyer criticized President Kenyatta's newly announced reforms, terming them as illegal and unconstitutional.

Amollo put Uhuru on the spot for allegedly breaching the Constitution by taking over some of the Inspector General of Police's roles by effecting the changes.

He further noted that there was a lack of public consultation before the reforms were unveiled.

"I have seen media reports of the adjustments made to the Police Service by the President.

"It appears to me, on the face of it, that the same are unconstitutional, however well meaning, in view of A. 242 & 245(3) Of Constitution, and w/o Parliament input A.94(5)," Amollo wrote.

Uhuru on Thursday announced at least 12 major changes set to take effect in one of the biggest shake-ups of Kenya's security organs.

12 senior police positions were scrapped, among them AP regional commander, Kenya Police regional commander, DCI regional commander, Kenya Police county commander, AP county commander, DCI county commander, sub-county commanders from all the three arms on the National Police Service , OCPD, district AP commander and AP ward commander.

They will be replaced by integrated Police Geo Boundaries under unified commands, specifically regional police command, one county police command, and one sub-county police command.

In addition, 39,680 Kenya Police officers and 24,572 Administration Police officers will be put under the General Police Service and will work under the command of the DIG in charge of the Kenya Police.

New-look blue uniforms that have been the subject of intense debate online were also unveiled.

Among other changes, all police officers are to undergo refresher training to familiarize themselves with the new structures and operations.

 

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