Former Chief Justice David Maraga has released the full report of the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, nearly three years after submitting it to President William Ruto.
Maraga made the report public on Monday after challenging President Ruto to fulfil his constitutional and administrative responsibility by releasing the document, which was submitted to him on November 16, 2023.
The former Chief Justice had last week given the President an ultimatum to publish the report, warning that he would make it public himself if the Head of State failed to do so.
Maraga chaired the 23-member taskforce appointed by President Ruto on December 22, 2022.
The team was mandated to review the terms and conditions of service and recommend reforms for the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service (NYS).
Speaking during a press address on Monday, Maraga called on the government to implement the recommendations contained in the taskforce report.
The former Chief Justice said implementing the reforms was critical to strengthening the independence and professionalism of the security agencies.
He particularly linked the reforms to the need to protect the independence of the National Police Service, especially as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Maraga warned that a partisan police service could undermine the electoral process and increase the risk of political violence.
The United Green Movement presidential aspirant urged the government to expedite implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.
Maraga also criticised the unveiling of new police uniforms by the government, questioning whether the move addressed the more urgent reforms required within the National Police Service.
The former Chief Justice said the uniform procurement process was already facing questions over transparency and alleged corruption.
He argued that changing police uniforms should not take priority over broader institutional reforms needed to strengthen the service.
Maraga maintained that the taskforce recommendations provided a comprehensive framework for addressing challenges facing the country’s security agencies.
The former Chief Justice also raised questions over the continued tenure of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin.
Maraga argued that the two security chiefs had attained the mandatory retirement age and questioned the legality of their continued stay in office.
He called on the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to move with speed and advertise the positions to allow for a competitive and transparent recruitment process.
Maraga said the recruitment process should be based on fairness and merit to restore confidence in the leadership of the country’s security agencies.
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