Transfers affecting 380 police officers nullified over bribery claims

The recently announced mass transfer of 380 police officers has been cancelled a day after a circular outlining the new postings for the affected officers was released.

The office of the Inspector General of Police nullified the transfers following revelations that the process was marred by corruption.

The circular nullifying the transfers has already been sent to all regional coordinators, formation commanders and directorates.

The 380 police officers all of the rank of Chief Inspector had been affected by the transfers announced Tuesday.

Acting Deputy Inspector General of Police Joel Kitili released the nullification circular stating: “The acting Deputy Inspector General of Police has treated the referred deployment as null and void and the officers affected by that deployment should remain at their former stations.”

This followed allegations of corruption including bribery and favoritism in the transfers.

At least 13 police station commanders had been affected by the transfers that would see their positions taken by newly promoted officers.

Long-serving Buru Buru OCS Chief Inspector Johnson Matoke was to be transferred to Sotik as the Staffing Officer in charge of personnel.

Buru Buru would then get a new OCS, Chief Inspector Chepkorocho Masai, who was to move from the Kijipwa police station.

Also, Chief Inspector Stephen Lelei, who was feted for his bravery during the Westgate siege, would have been the new Industrial Area police station boss, to replace Amos Shamalla, who was scheduled to move to the Kajiado County Headquarters.

The officers had initially been asked to report to their new stations by February 20^th.