Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Thursday directed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to suspend 67 police officers over alleged corruption and procurement irregularities in their institutions.
Koskei's directive followed recommendations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission(EACC) for the suspension of the officers, who are currently under investigation.
In issuing the directives, Koskei emphasised that the Government remains firm in its commitment to eradicating corruption which, he maintains, undermines its development agenda.
Thirty-eight of the 67 police officers have been accused of requesting and Receiving a bribe contrary to section 6(1) (A) as read with section 18 of the Bribery Act No. 47 of 2016.
The other twenty-nine allegedly dealt with suspect property contrary to section 47(2) (a) as read with section 48(1) of the Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Act no. 3 of 2003.
The suspects, with ranks of Chief Inspector, Inspector of Police, Sergeant, Corporal, and Police Constable ranks, were arrested between 2019 and 2023.
"Section 42(7) of the Leadership and Integrity Act provides that; Subject to the Constitution and any regulation for enforcement of the Code of Conduct, a State/public officer may be suspended from office pending the investigation and determination of allegations made against the state/public officer where such suspension is considered necessary," EACC chief executive officer Twalib Mbarak said.
