The Inspector General of Police and the National Government Administration Office are locked in a quiet standoff over a plan to arm some of the country’s chiefs.
Following the IG’s opposition to the idea, some chiefs have been told to designate five people in their jurisdiction who will be granted firearms.
Chiefs were instructed to find at least five people in their districts who would be inspected and recommended for a certificate allowing them to carry firearms and be armed.
Those who are identified will be compelled to attend county security committees for vetting before a permit is issued by the chief licensing weapons officer.
This, according to reports, will ensure that the locations are safe from “marauding” criminals.
The IG is said to be against the plan, claiming that it is illegal and could lead to the establishment of a parallel “police” unit in the areas.
IG Hillary Mutyambai’s office is claimed to be citing the legislation, which specifies that all weaponry and police must be under his control, and that it doesn’t understand why the NGAO is so enthusiastic about the plan.
The PAS is said to have requested that a plan be put in place that will see chiefs and their aides armed.
The IG is in charge of directing and leading the National Police Service, as well as overseeing and managing the service’s overall and autonomous command and matter.
Security meetings and other national administration problems are frequently chaired by regional commissioners.
Following the 2010 Constitution, the previous provincial government was reformed to accommodate the new commissioners.
In the new regime, regional commissioners took the position of provincial commissioners.
They are in charge of chairing and coordinating national government issues in their respective regions, including security.
