Shakeup looms in police leadership as Uhuru Kenyatta's term comes to an end

IG Hillary Mutyambai. His term ends in April. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Edward Mbugua, the deputy IG in charge of Kenya Police and George Kinoti, who heads the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), are the other two chiefs whose future hangs in the balance.

Mbugua is currently serving on contract after attaining the retirement age of 60 years. President Kenyatta extended his term for one year, which will end in February 2023.

An official familiar with the matter told The Sunday Standard that Mutyambai was likely to be out of office for some time. It is not clear if the new administration will allow the IG to continue serving or he will be retired ahead of his time.

The new administration has several options in the event they want to replace Mutyambai. This includes compensating the IG and have him leave office before the end of his tenure.

There is also the other option of retiring Mutyambai on medical grounds reasons in the event that he will need more time to recover.

Behind-the-scenes lobbying

Kinoti and Gabow, who are yet to attain the retirement age, could continue working if the Ruto government decides to retain them.

Ruto and his deputy have so far pledged to among other things, reorganise the security sector after complaining that government officials used State machinery, including the police, to harass and intimidate them.

In his first speech after the Supreme Court upheld his election, on Monday, Ruto told journalists that his administration would streamline the public service, with an eye on the police.

Former Flying Squad boss Nyale Munga. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Former police spokesman Charles Owino is another candidate who is being considered for the position of IG or DIG. He returned to the police service in June after he resigned to contest for a political position in his home county.

Rashid Yakub, who is the current National Police Service Director of Operations, is has also been touted as a possible candidate to become DIG in charge of Administration Police in the case of sweeping changes and promotions. Yakub spent much of his career life as a police officer in the service.

Former Nairobi Area head of DCI Nicholas Kamwende is also said to be among those being considered. The University of Nairobi graduate is the Head of Forensics at the DCI headquarters, and has held other senior positions, including head of the Anti-Terrorism Police.