My past job tainted my image, Kiraithe tells vetting panel

By CYRUS OMBATI and ANJELLAH OWINO

A section of senior police officers were yesterday accused of failing to declare their wealth after it emerged a number of them had failed to provide their spouses’ bank accounts.

The officers who were appearing before vetting panels were hard-pressed to explain why they could not provide the bank statements since it was a requirement for the process.

Former Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe was among those who were challenged as to why he had failed to provide the statements. “My wife is an independent woman and I did not find anything to compel me to bring her statement. If there is any legitimate reason for that I can ask her to bring it herself,” said Kiraithe.

He had appeared before a vetting panel at the start of the third phase of the vetting exercise of the 166 officers of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police.

He was taken to task over his role as a police spokesman and if he had improved the relationship between police and the public.

Kiraithe said his image had been damaged because of his past job and in the way police handle themselves while on duty. “I would appear on TV saying this in the evening but someone who is on the ground sees something different,” he said.