Infighting and succession politics have been linked to recent transfers of officers, police sources have said.
Former Coast regional CID boss Henry Ondiek yesterday was redeployed to Embu, days after he was transferred to Nairobi to replace his counterpart Nicholas Kamwende.
Pius Macharia is now the new Mombasa CID boss after Kamwende was recalled to Nairobi, following intense lobbying from senior officers at the police headquarters.
The officers were said to be behind the transfer of former Coast regional police boss Robert Kitur to Nairobi. He was replaced by Francis Wanjohi.
Wanjohi was an escort commandant for retired President Mwai Kibaki.
Sources said “powerful” officers at Vigilance House are behind the reshuffle.
“We are aware forces are behind the latest realignment of officers from certain regions to dominate both Nairobi and Mombasa counties,” a senior officer said.
The Star has established the officers were unconformable when Ondiek was transferred to head the CID department in Nairobi, replacing Kamwende.
On Tuesday, the government announced that Ondiek and Port police boss Zacchaeus Ng’eno have been dismissed, alongside five Kenya Ports Authority managers over allegations of misappropriation.
But police spokesman Charles Owino said the two were moved in routine transfers to enhance operations.
Ondiek had already reported to his office at CID headquarters in Nairobi, only to be redeployed to Embu. The move is interpreted as a demotion based on his rank of commissioner, his experience and education level.
In his Mombasa office, Ondiek was the regional CID head and oversaw the six counties at the Coast.
Senior police officers from Mombasa said Kitur and Ondiek are said to be frustrated by powerful individuals.
The two played a major role in restoring security in Mombasa county after terror attacks.
“It’s very unfortunate that instead of commending them, someone is settling scores. Their good working relation with the county government could be linked to their tribulations,” a senior officer said.
The reshuffle also affected Changamwe CID boss Betty Chepng’eno who has been deployed to Chuka, while the Mombasa Urban CID boss Zachary Nangulu was also transferred after less than a year in his office.