Jurists body calls out Health CS Nakhumicha for ordering transfer of Matisi OCS

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha addressing the media on June 19, 2023. [ Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya has taken issue with Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha's order to transfer Matisi OCS, John Thuo, over insecurity in the area located in TransNzoia County.

The commission argues that transferring of security officers is not within the mandate of the Health docket and that CS Nakhumicha should not have meddled.

Nakhumicha, while making the directive during a burial on Saturday, July 29, said: "We are using the one government approach. That means that when I stand here, I'm representing President William Ruto's government and I am ordering the transfer of Matisi OCS. If the county commandant is here or wherever he is, let the message reach him that the CS has said that by tomorrow, the OCS should be out of here. I will just go and report to my colleague (Interior CS Kindiki) the action I've taken."

ICJ, in a statement seen by The Standard, reminded Nakhumicha that the National Police Service Commission is the official police employer in charge of the human resources function.

"We reiterate that the Commission draws its powers and functions from Article 246 of the Constitution, which gives it powers to recruit and appoint persons to hold or act in offices in the Service, confirm appointments, determine promotions and transfers, and exercise disciplinary control over and remove persons holding or acting in offices within the Service," the Commission noted.

Further, ICJ has asked the National Police Service (NPS) to stamp its authority in regards to its mandate and protect it.

The commission has also reminded State and Public officers to respect the rule of law and abide by the Constitution of Kenya.

Additionally, they have called on the Inspector General of Police to exercise full command and control of the Service, including denouncing public lynching of police officers.