Lobby demands overhaul of Kenya's police service over graft report

A section of civil society organisations under the umbrella Vocal Africa, led by Hussein Khalid, during a press briefing in Nairobi on August 6. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Vocal Africa, a civil rights organisation, has joined seven other advocacy groups in calling for the complete disbandment of Kenya’s police service, following a report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission  (EACC) yesterday that cited widespread corruption within the force.

Addressing the media in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 6, the group expressed deep concern over what they described as a culture of impunity and systemic graft in the police service.

“We demand an urgent, fearless, and total disbandment and recruitment of police in Kenya. These demands are not suggestive. They are a moral and constitutional necessity,” said Vocal Africa in a statement. 

The rights groups cited the EACC’s findings as confirmation that the police service remains the most corrupt institution in the country.

“This institution is beyond repair. No reform can serve it. It is remarkable and must be disbanded entirely, and a new people policy model with a new name and uniform created from scratch.” 

The coalition further proposed a restructuring of law enforcement, including the devolution of police services to regional governments. They recommended that regional commissioners be empowered to recruit, oversee, and discipline police officers, under national standards and public oversight.

The civil society groups also want recruitment standards revised, suggesting the minimum academic entry requirement be raised to a grade C plain, and increase the number of female officers.

Addressing ongoing concerns about police brutality and extrajudicial killings, the organisations demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of officers implicated in such cases. 

They also recommended barring current officers holding the rank of inspector or higher from serving in any newly constituted police service.

Additionally, they want the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the National Police Service Commission to remain independent, funded and disciplined to oversee police officers without political interference.