National Police Service Recruitment Dispute Escalates
Local newspapers have highlighted a growing conflict within the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) over the recruitment of 10,000 police officers scheduled for September. The dispute centers on control over human resources, including the KSh60 billion police payroll and the implementation of a new online recruitment system. This system is intended to enhance transparency but has sparked concerns about potential corruption.
The conflict involves Inspector-General Douglas Kanja and his allies against civilian commissioners led by newly appointed chair Dr Amani Yudo Komora. The commission’s CEO, Peter Leley, has announced the withdrawal of all HR powers from the IG, citing constitutional authority and police reform recommendations. However, Kanja refuses to comply, arguing that payroll control falls under operational matters as outlined in Article 245 of the Constitution.
The National Security Council has advised maintaining the traditional in-person recruitment process, but the NPSC has already begun public consultations on the proposed online system. With both factions unwilling to compromise, intervention from President William Ruto or Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen may be necessary to avoid delays in the recruitment process.
Allegations of Cover-Up Involving High-Ranking Officials
A High Court petition has accused President William Ruto, senior security chiefs, and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor of protecting Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat from prosecution over the death of blogger and whistleblower Albert Ojwang in June. The petition claims a coordinated cover-up involving top state officials, alleging that Ojwang was abducted, tortured, and fatally injured after Lagat lodged an “unlawful complaint” accusing him of exposing police corruption.
Police initially claimed Ojwang harmed himself in his cell, but an independent post-mortem ruled this out. The petition criticizes the Director of Public Prosecutions for excluding Lagat from charges against other officers despite evidence pointing to him as the prime suspect. It also accuses Ruto of breaching constitutional duties by failing to suspend Lagat and Oduor of neglecting her public-interest mandate.
The petitioners seek to bar Lagat from office and compel his prosecution. Lagat denies involvement, arguing investigations by IPOA and the DPP found no link to him. His lawyers claim forcing charges would unlawfully override prosecutorial independence. Justice Bahati Mwamuye has adjourned the hearing to September 25, giving the DPP, AG, and other respondents until August 29 to respond.
Rise in Fraudulent Activity in BNPL Motorbike Financing
Kenya’s booming Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) motorbike financing sector is facing a surge in fraudulent activity. Borrowers are deliberately hiding or damaging their financed motorcycles to stage thefts, secure insurance payouts, and obtain replacements. Tactics include burying bikes, blocking tracking signals, dismantling parts, or moving them across borders.
Watu Credit, which has financed over half a million two- and three-wheelers in the past decade, reports that the scam is inflating operational costs, driving up insurance claims, and threatening higher premiums for honest riders. While GPS tracking recovers about half of reported theft cases, fraudulent incidents are increasingly common. Insurers eventually reject false claims, but prolonged investigations tie up capital and inventory.
The boda boda sector, with around three million motorcycles, contributes over Sh660 billion annually to Kenya’s economy and employs millions. However, it faces persistent issues such as crime, reckless riding, and fatal accidents. The BNPL motorbike market, more than ten times larger than the car market, benefits from growing demand as incomes rise, but remains highly price-sensitive.
Recent legal amendments have brought non-deposit-taking asset financiers under Capital Markets Authority oversight, though full regulations are pending. Watu is also expanding into electric motorbike financing, with over 1,000 units funded in 2025, and smartphone financing, mainly for entry-level Samsung devices. The Central Bank of Kenya has drafted new regulations for non-deposit-taking credit providers, seeking public input before implementation.
Growing Public Outcry Over Deaths in Police Custody
A spate of deaths in police custody has sparked public outrage, with several incidents occurring in recent months. The latest cases involve two men who allegedly took their own lives in police cells in Kakamega and Murang’a counties within a five-day span. In Navakholo, Kakamega, 33-year-old Raymond Nachibati was arrested after a market altercation and later found hanging in Nang’anda Police Station. His family disputes the claim, questioning why he was alone in the cell and the origin of the rope used. They have vowed to delay his burial until they receive a full explanation.
In Murang’a, a man reportedly hanged himself at Kenol Police Station on 5 August. The case echoes a February incident in which 53-year-old Charles Gathungu died in Kiria-ini Police Station under contested circumstances. His widow insists he was healthy when arrested and disputes the police account, alleging he was brought to hospital already dead. These incidents come just two months after nationwide protests over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in Nairobi Central Police Station.
Between 6 and 23 June 2025, more than 20 Kenyans reportedly died in police cells, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the recent cases in cooperation with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Families of the deceased continue to demand justice, accusing police of concealing the truth and failing to protect those in custody.