A group of lawyers represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, has filed a petition at the High Court in Nairobi, seeking urgent orders to stop the IG from running the payroll a role they say belongs to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) under Article 246(3) of the Constitution.
“Kenyans saw Parliament order the Inspector General to hand over the payroll. But Parliament has no such powers. That’s why we are asking the court for a constitutional interpretation,” Omari said.
Sheria Mtaani argues that the matter is urgent because recruitment of 10,000 new police officers is already underway, with budget allocations in place.
Omari warned that the ongoing standoff could weaken the country’s security organs.
“This is a national security issue. If there is paralysis, who will safeguard the 55 million Kenyans who rely on the police command structure?” he posed.
The dispute centres on control of a Ksh60 billion annual payroll for over 100,000 officers.
The NPSC says it is responsible for recruitment, promotions, and discipline and that payroll management is part of its mandate.
However, the IG is accused of taking over the payroll functions, raising concerns about transparency, possible record tampering, and administrative deadlock.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has acknowledged the row and offered to mediate, but Sheria Mtaani insists the courts must decide.
“This is for the Judiciary to settle once and for all,” said Wanjiku Waidera, an advocate of the High Court.
The case, assigned to Justice Lawrence Mugambi, has been filed under vacation rules, underscoring its urgency. The IG has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
