Ruto turns down job requests from outgoing police commissioners

President William Ruto on Monday, March 17, 2025, turned down requests for jobs from the outgoing National Police Service Commission (NPSC) members.

While delivering their exit report at the State House, outgoing NPSC chairman Eliud Kinuthia told the president that with the commissioners’ term having come to an end, he could find them other places in the government.

In his response, Ruto stated that he has younger people in dire need of employment and he would first consider the youthful population before the outgoing police service commission members.

“Other than presenting the report, they (outgoing commission members) are also seeking a job. As we go to the jobless corner, that place is not enjoyable Your Excellency,” Kinuthia beseeched the president.

Turns down request

While acknowledging the immense contributions they have made to the commission in the last six years, Ruto noted that he has too many young people to take care of.

“I have too many young people to look after before you. But I know there is always a balance between the energy, knowledge and experience of young people and the experience of the older members of our society. As we keep balancing those attributes, I am sure we will find a place where your experience, knowledge and understanding will be useful for the nation,” Ruto said.

The NPSC commissioners took office in March 2019 and have served in these capacities for the last six years.

Apart from the commission’s chairperson Eliud Kinuthia, the other commissioners are Vice chairperson Alice Otwala, Eusebius Laibuta, Lilian Kiamba, John Ole Moyaki and Edwin Cheluget.

The selection panel of the National Police Service Commission has already shortlisted 38 persons for interviews to fill the vacancies in the commission.

Commission interviews

In a notice by the Public Service Commission on Saturday, March 15, 2025, nine candidates have been shortlisted to be interviewed for the position of the chairperson of the police commission, while 29 others have been shortlisted for commissioner jobs.

Kinuthia and his team of commissioners have served for six years in the commission and former members of the commission are barred from applying for similar positions or that of the chairperson.

In the notice, former Busia Deputy Governor Kizito Wangalwa, former Kenya Law Reform Commissioner Doreen Nkatha Muthaura, former Gatanga MP Humphrey Kimani Njuguna, former Devolution PS Micah Pkopus, and former Judicial Service Commission Director Susan Oyatsi will open the interviews on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Other candidates gunning for the chairperson of the police commission include John Otieno Ondego, Margarete Wanjala, Komora Jilo, and John Mutegi, whose interviews will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.