Stop forced deductions of APs salaries

Instructions have already been issued to deduct money from administration policemen to finance a 'farewell party' for outgoing AP commandant Kinuthia Mwangi.

The deductions—ranging from Sh500 for each officer in the lowest ranks to Sh2,000 for those in the top echelons—means that a minimum of Sh20 million will be collected from the 40,000-strong AP service.

This is outright extortion by those in positions of power. By issuing such orders, they are encouraging corruption. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission should quickly step in and stop this massive abuse of office. The Public Service Commission should also investigate, as such instructions are contrary to the civil servants code of ethics.

If any AP wants to contribute to give Kinuthia Mwangi or indeed any other civil servant a warm and fond farewell, let them do so voluntarily and not under duress.

It is this habit of 'forced' harambees that continues to feed the cancer of corruption which is prevalent everywhere. This has manifested itself even in the ongoing recruitment for administration policemen. Letters of admission are now being flogged at between Sh50,000 and Sh150,000 per recruit!

As for those officers who are being 'forced' to pay for the 'farewell party' they must speak out and shame those who are extorting from them. They, too, have rights that are guaranteed by the constitution.

Quote of the day: "The truth is lived, not taught." Hermann Hesse, the German-born Swiss novelist, poet and painter whose known works include Steppenwolf, Siddhartha and the Glass Bead Game died on August 9,1962.