By Andrew Kariuki

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced 32 job vacancies across multiple departments, inviting qualified Kenyan citizens to apply.

The Authority, which is established under the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act Cap. 86 Laws of Kenya, is mandated to provide civilian oversight over the work of the police.

In the latest recruitment notice, IPOA said it is seeking “results-oriented Kenyan citizens with drive, vision and creativity” to fill a range of positions.

The advertised roles include Office Assistant II, Driver, Clerical Officer II, Research Officer II, Legal Officer II, Investigations Officer II, Monitoring Officer II, Inspections Officer II, Complaints Management Officer II, Call Centre Officer II, and Senior Accountant.

Interested applicants have been directed to submit their applications through the Authority’s official careers portal, with the deadline set for May 18, 2026.

Successful candidates will be required to comply with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity, including presenting clearance certificates from key institutions.

These include a valid Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority, a Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, clearance from the Higher Education Loans Board, a Credit Reference Bureau clearance, and a certificate from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

IPOA emphasized that it is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on any grounds, including race, religion, gender, disability, or political affiliation.

The Authority further cautioned that canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification and clarified that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has cautioned political leaders against early campaign activities, saying the growing number of rallies ahead of the official election period could destabilise the country and hurt workers most.

He spoke on Friday during Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County, where he urged political actors to respect the electoral process and wait for the official campaign calendar to be released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He also took the opportunity to commend ongoing government development projects and what he termed as progress in the economy.

He warned that the current political atmosphere was becoming increasingly tense, with constant rallies and heated statements likely to deepen divisions across the country. According to him, such a situation could create long-term political and social strain even after elections are concluded.

“We as workers, we are very much concerned about the ongoing political rallies in this republic, as if elections are there next week,” he said.

He called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to step in and ensure political activity is guided by law and proper timelines.

President William Ruto leads the Nation in celebrating Labour Day in Vihiga County on May 1, 2026. PHOTO/PCS

“We urge the IEBC to put a stop to this menace and ask Kenyans to wait until IEBC releases the campaign calendar for our next year’s elections,” he said.

Atwoli added that continued political confrontation and mobilisation outside the official period risked creating unnecessary anxiety among citizens. He warned that such actions could polarise communities and weaken national cohesion.

“What we are trying to do now, inciting Kenyans, telling Kenyans things that are not really this means that, even if elections will be carried out, and whoever wins fairly, with this polarization, might cause a problem into our country,” he said.

He further noted that ordinary citizens, especially workers, bear the heaviest burden whenever political tensions escalate. He said instability often translates into job losses, insecurity, and disruption of livelihoods.

“In any country where we have political turmoil or strife, it is workers, women and children who suffer because they can’t fly out,” he said.

Atwoli also criticised some political leaders, saying they tend to disappear during difficult moments while ordinary Kenyans remain exposed to the consequences of instability.

“These self-proclaimed leaders of the opposition, they will run away. You will not see them here,” he said.

He insisted that national development should remain the priority, saying ongoing government projects and economic activities risk being overshadowed by premature campaigns.

“You are busy developing this country. You are busy everywhere, inspecting government projects, and some people are trying to mar the good work that you are doing,” he said.

He warned that political instability could also affect investor confidence and slow down job creation, urging leaders to prioritise stability and economic growth.

“If anything happens, it is us. When this ship sinks, it will sink with everybody,” he said.

Atwoli maintained that the labour movement would continue to speak out whenever political activity threatens peace and livelihoods. He said workers expect leaders to act responsibly and protect national unity.

He concluded by urging politicians to lower the political temperature and allow institutions to manage elections in accordance with the law. He said Kenya must avoid returning to cycles of tension driven by early campaigning.

By Andrew Kariuki

Former Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Wangui Ngirici has been removed as Director and Chairperson of the Kenya Seed Company Limited, a day after publicly announcing her exit from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In a letter dated April 30, 2026, John Mbadi directed the immediate removal of Ngirici from the board, citing provisions within the company’s Articles of Association governing the appointment and removal of directors.

“Article 97 of the establishing instrument provides the procedure for removal of a Director, while Article 98 empowers the Company or sponsor to replace and/or remove a Director,” read part of the letter addressed to Managing Director Sammy K. Chepsiror.

The directive further instructed the management to effect the decision without delay.

“In line with the above provisions in the Articles of Association, you are hereby advised to process the immediate removal of Ms Purity Wangui Ngirici as Director and Chairman of the Board as appointed under Article 102 of the Articles of Association,” the letter stated.

Although no explicit reason was provided for the removal, the timing comes shortly after Ngirici’s public declaration distancing herself from the United Democratic Alliance.

On Wednesday, Ngirici announced that she had exited the President William Ruto-led party and would now align herself with the opposition.

The National Treasury indicated that the changes take immediate effect, with further directions expected to follow.