The High Court in Nairobi has expedited a petition seeking to halt the nationwide police recruitment exercise scheduled for Friday, setting up a decisive hearing on Tuesday.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the directive after lawyers for all parties appeared before him on Monday and agreed the matter was urgent, given the looming recruitment deadline.
The case has been brought by lobby group Sheria Mtaani, represented by advocates Shadrack Wambui, Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta. They argue the recruitment risks proceeding under a framework that undermines the Constitution by blurring the roles of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
“Given the opportunity, we will prove we have a prima facie case,” Wambui told the court, urging for conservatory orders.
But the Attorney General opposed the request, warning that halting the exercise would disrupt the IGP’s constitutional mandate and distort the police chain of command. Citing Article 245, he stressed that the IGP holds independent command over the Service, with recruitment and payroll management falling under his authority.
Justice Mugambi directed parties to file submissions by Monday evening, ahead of Tuesday’s hearing that will decide whether the exercise proceeds or is suspended.
