Three officers in court over sacking

Kenya: Three senior police officers have moved to court seeking orders to reverse a decision by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to sack them.

Dadaab Refugee Camp Head of Operations Stephen Kemei Kiptum, Vihiga County Police Commandant Emmanuel Karisa Kenga, and Peter Mwau Muinde of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) training school are challenging the decision to dismiss them arguing that it contravened the Constitution.

The three through lawyer Kioko Kilukumi told the court that the decision to dismiss them was taken in violation of their human dignity, freedom from discrimination, right to property and labour relations.

They want the court to issue a staying order and stop the implementation of the NPSC decision. The decision is recommending their removal from office.

The officers are also seeking to have the NPSC continue paying their monthly salaries and other allowances payable under their terms of service pending the hearing and determination of the case.

"A temporary suspension of the respondent's decision will not in any way prejudice NPSC," submitted Mr Kilukumi.

He argued that Mr Kemei and Mr Kenga's vetting interview was conducted by one commissioner as opposed to other officers of the same rank, which amounted to unfair and discriminatory administrative action by the NPSC.