Court allows withdrawal of case challenging police recruitment

The High Court has approved the withdrawal of a petition that sought to halt the nationwide police recruitment exercise.

The case was filed by civil society group Sheria Mtaani and activist Shadrach Wambui, citing concerns raised by some sections of the youth.

However, the petitioners informed the court that they had received overwhelming appeals from young people urging them to drop the matter.

Appearing before Justice Lawrence Mugambi at Milimani High Court on Tuesday, their lawyer Danstan Omari said they had received more than 20,000 calls and messages from youth and parents across the country requesting the withdrawal.

“Many young people had already travelled to recruitment centres using limited resources,” the petitioners submitted, noting that blocking the exercise would not serve the public interest.

Lawyer Paul Mjamodi, representing Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, did not oppose the withdrawal, a stance shared by the other parties involved in the case.

The petitioners also argued that halting the recruitment would frustrate thousands of applicants keen to join the National Police Service, especially with the 2027 General Election approaching and ongoing international police assignments, such as in Haiti.

“Having considered the guidance of our principal, and to allow the recruitment of 10,000 youth scheduled for tomorrow, while also mindful of the upcoming 2027 General Election, the shortage of police officers, and international assignments such as Haiti, the petitioner has applied to withdraw the applications dated August 11, 2025, and September 9, 2025, in their entirety,” the petitioners stated.

Justice Mugambi granted the application, ruling: “I find no reason to deny the application for withdrawal. The matter is hereby withdrawn with no orders as to costs.”

Sheria Mtaani, through lawyers Shadrack Wambui, Danstan Omari, and Cliff Ombeta, had initially sought to suspend the recruitment, arguing that it raised constitutional questions over the roles of the Inspector-General of Police and the National Police Service Commission.

The Attorney General opposed the bid, warning that halting the exercise could disrupt the police command structure and undermine the IGP’s mandate.

With the withdrawal now approved, the National Police Service can proceed with the nationwide recruitment without further legal impediments.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) had planned to conduct the recruitment of 10,000 police constables online under new 2025 regulations designed to promote transparency and curb corruption.

For the first time in Kenya’s history, the exercise will be conducted entirely online, with applicants required to submit their details virtually.

Out of the 10,000 slots, 4,000 have been reserved for National Youth Service (NYS) graduates.