Activists want Kisumu Central OCPD removed over bias

Activists have petitioned Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai to transfer Kisumu Central OCPD James Ngetich over alleged partisan involvement in the war on illicit brews.

Human Rights Activist Audi Ogada said there has been a continuous sale of illicit brews at Kisumu bus park despite numerous petitions.

Ogada said they need a neutral, competent and dedicated police division boss with a high level of integrity as the country heads to the general election.

But Ngetich defended himself, saying he is discharging his duty diligently. He said they have intensified the war on illicit brew and impound substandard alcohol and bhang.

“Those people who are accusing me, can they prove their allegations?” he said.

On Friday, Ngetich said a multiagency raided imported illicit brews at the bus park, impounded alcohol and made arrests.

“Nobody is talking about this. We have always provided security and performed our duties above board,” he said.

Ngetich said he has never taken sides or been biased and those accusing him should provide evidence.

“When the time comes I will go. But for now, I am focused and committed to my work. The issues raised have been looked at by a team,” he said.

Ogada, however, said Ngetich has failed to take action on the notorious illicit brew trade, which has rendered many youths unproductive.

He said government officers who should be the defenders of law and order are the perpetrator of lawlessness. 

“There is clear evidence that Ngetich has a direct conflict of interest in the management of the transport sector, Maendeleo market and the sale of illicit brew,” Ogada said.

“Unfortunately, only a few peddlers of illegal changaa are taken to court. As we speak today, the sale of illicit brew is being carried out openly in broad daylight. It is alleged that the peddlers have registered with his office for approval and protection.”

Ogada also accused Ngetich of taking sides with an illegal group led by Oliver Ochieng, alias Olivetti, who have been terrorising traders at the Maendeleo market.

“Why has he failed to take action against this group despite several reports made at Kisumu Central police station? We have the OBs of all the cases recorded there,” Ogada said.

He also raised concerns about arbitrary arrests of those who questioned or championed the war on illegality and sales of illicit brews.

“Nevertheless, we must pay special tribute to most police officers who are patriotic enough and are discharging their duties with the utmost respect for the rule of law, democracy, Human rights and fundamental freedoms,” he said.

Last month, Ogada wrote a protest letter to Nyanza regional police commander Karanja Muiruri to launch investigations against Ngetich.

This followed the alleged circumstances surrounding the poor relationship between Ngetich's office and offices of the community Saccos, Company Unions of Kisumu Bus Park Transport (Kibutco).

“A case study of his alleged direct interest is his involvement in the management of Sampers Tours and Travels which has caused more havoc, confusions and endless chaos in the transport sector," the letter reads.

Ogada said on June 23, Ngetich convened a partisan meeting in one of the hotels on Tom Mboya Estate where he had coverage of five fully armed police officers.

“Shockingly, rafts of measures were ordered, including the expulsion of some founder members of the Sacco in Kisumu,” he said.

Ogada, in his petition, said one of the expelled members, was physically assaulted and later arrested on the allegation of causing a disturbance and malicious damage to property.

However, he was later released upon the intervention of Kibutco and other stakeholders.

Ogada said the allocation and licensing of Kiosks are functions of county governments, not the National Police Service.

He advised Ngetich to stop holding partisan meetings of such nature without the involvement of direct parties.

He said the county government of Kisumu had revoked fake allotment letters sold to unsuspecting members of the public. Those people should keep off the Maendeleo market, he said.

“Officers who are still bringing confusion by supporting those whose previous allocations were illegal and revoked must desist from such,” he added.

He said hawkers, kiosks operators and transport sectors are directly affected by threat to peace at the bus park and its environs.

Ogada said Ngetich has profiled some civil society members and residents who are questioning his unlawful conduct.

“He prefers they be called wakubwa, forgetting that their duty is to serve the citizens and the citizens are their bosses as clearly spelled in Articles 239 (5), 174 and 175 of the Constitution.” 

He said the conduct of Ngetich is in total contravention of the National Police Service manual and the Constitution.

Ogada said repressive, intimidation, harassment, threats, corruption-related actions and decisions by the two mentioned officers shall not be tolerated at all regardless of the consequences that may arise.

He said Ngetich has put efforts to muzzle the voices against abuse of office and power.

Ogada said officers should stop inciting their evil agents against those whom they refer to as their enemies and by extension “enemies of the police”.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)