Assistant Inspector General of police Japhet Nchebere Koome is a man walking a tight rope as he seeks to succeed retired Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai.
Koome who is currently the Commandant of the National Police Service (NPS) College in Kiganjo has his date booked with the joint committees of both the Senate and National Assembly.
A notification of approval hearing by the Clerks of both House indicates that Koome will appear on November 8, before the Assembly’s departmental committee on Administration and Internal Affairs and Senate’s standing committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign affairs.
“The nominee should bring originals of identity card, academic and professional certificates and other relevant testimonials,” read the notice signed by Serah Kioko and Jeremiah Nyegenye.
He is also required to obtain EACC, KRA, DCI and higher education loans board clearances.
Members of the public have also been asked to submit memoranda on the suitability of the nominee for appointment to the office.
Written statements of oath in form affidavits are to be submitted to the Clerks of either House on or before November 3.
“In accordance with Section 6(9) of the pubic appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, 2011, the committee now invites interested members of the public to submit any representations,” if reads.
Koome’s dark past is likely to return to haunt him when he appears before the lawmakers that will either reject or approve his nomination.
Immediately after the declaration of the 2017 general election results which handed former president Uhuru Kenyatta a win against his close competitor Raila Odinga, spontaneous protests broke out in various parts of Nairobi.
Koome was then Nairobi regional police commander before being posted to the police headquarters, where he served as the principal deputy of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police Edward Mbugua.
During his stint in the City, Koome, a civil engineer, came under sharp criticism from various local and international civil right watch groups on the manner in which police handled the protesters.
Security officers were accused of brutally cracking down on the somewhat peaceful protesters which saw several beaten and badly injured.
Several others were killed during the process.
The tough talking police boss would later emerge to defend his officers over the allegations of brutality terming it untrue and maintaining they conducted themselves in a professional manner.
President William Ruto named Koome on September 27, shortly after unveiling the list of his Cabinet nominees.
Article 245 (2) of the Constitution says the President nominates the person to the position and submit his name to parliament for vetting before approval.
The IG is appointed for a single four-year term and is not eligible for re-appointment.
Before rising to the current position, Koome previously served as the Sub-County Police Commander in Nairobi.
Upon exiting just like other top bosses in the security service and military, the officers may be appointed to other state offices.
Former IGs David Kimaiyo who resigned in 2014 and Joseph Boinett whose term came to an in 2019 were rewarded as KAA chairman and CAS for Tourism by former President Uhuru Kenyatta respectively.
Mutyambai’s term was to end in April 2023 but hechose to proceed on terminal leave to aid his recovery process.
The committee has 28 days to conduct approval hearings and bring a joint report to the respective Houses.
