Maraga warns on political influence in police recruitment

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has expressed concerns about the risk of political influence in senior police appointments, warning that such appointments could create loyalty to the president rather than the nation. Speaking on Monday, August 31, 2026, Maraga, who chaired the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, emphasized that the Constitution mandates the police service to operate independently and free from any individual's direction, including the president.

Maraga highlighted that while some recommendations, such as salary adjustments, have been partially implemented, the most crucial aspect is ensuring the independence of the National Police Service. He noted that the original National Police Service legislation stipulated competitive recruitment for key positions like the Inspector-General, deputy inspectors-general, and the Director of Criminal Investigations.

However, amendments introduced in 2014 altered this process, enabling the president to nominate candidates who subsequently underwent parliamentary vetting. Maraga argued that these amendments contravene constitutional principles, as they result in appointees being beholden to the president rather than the country.

He termed these changes as "state capture" and stressed that reinstating competitive recruitment would help shield the police command from political interference. Maraga expressed particular concern over incidents in Keumbu, where officers were observed walking alongside individuals throwing stones at motorists, raising questions about the integrity of police actions and their alignment with political interests.

The former Chief Justice reiterated his call for the implementation of recommendations from the police reforms taskforce report submitted to President William Ruto in November 2023. The report, which includes over 200 proposals, calls for the repeal of the 2014 provisions and the restoration of transparent, competitive recruitment for senior police commanders.

It also advocates for a fresh vetting process for officers from the rank of senior superintendent upwards. Maraga has previously questioned the continued service of Inspector-General Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, citing mandatory retirement age provisions under the Public Service Act.

The taskforce report also documented issues related to police recruitment integrity, including allegations of recruitment opportunities being sold for up to Ksh600,000 and concerns over nepotism and political influence. Similar concerns have arisen in other public institutions, such as the Kenya Defence Forces and the Teachers Service Commission, prompting calls for enhanced transparency in employment processes.

Maraga emphasized that restoring independent recruitment and adhering to constitutional principles would ensure the National Police Service remains accountable to the Constitution and the public.