Blow to IG Koome as Court Issues Directive on Promotion of 514 Senior Police Officers

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Thursday suffered a blow after the Labour Court suspended the 514 promotions he initiated for senior police officers.

Koome has been embroiled in a protracted push and pull with the National Police Service Commission regarding the promotions.

This emerged after Koome promoted 514 officers and asked the NPSC to ratify, a move that was rejected with senior officials at the commission terming the act as unconstitutional.

The suspension will apply until the case filed by Senator Okiya Omtatah and activist Michael Otieno is heard and determined.

In the case, the two challenged the promotions made by Koome arguing that they are illegal.

The suspension was issued by Justice Byram Ongaya.

“Pending inter parties hearing of this application interim orders are hereby given staying the implementation of promotions affecting 514 police officers said to have been unilaterally effected on June 5 in the NPS,” the order reads.

At the same time, the High Court judge also stayed the implementation of a memo issued by Koome on June 9 warning police officers from applying for 514 vacancies advertised by the National Police Service for promotions.

National Police Service Commission has also been directed to convene a meeting of all parties in the case and try to solve the matter amicably.

"This will be within NPS investigative, conciliation, mediation and negotiation functions and powers envisaged and a compromise may be recorded in court at the next mentioned date," he stated.

The case will be mentioned on June 29 for further directions from the court.