The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) on Monday, June 5, nullified promotions effected by Inspector General Japhet Koome.

NPSC chairman, Eliud Kinuthia, argued that Koome bypassed the commission's role as stipulated by law.

"The Inspector General of Police has severally cited Article 245(4) of the Constitution as the reason for not implementing decisions of the commission on recruitment, appointments, confirmation in appointments, dismissal, transfers and promotions," the commission told the House.

Article 245(4) of the Constitution states that "The National Police Service Commission shall be responsible for the appointment, promotion, transfer, and disciplinary control of the members of the National Police Service."

However, Kinuthia argued that this does not give the Inspector General the power to promote officers without the commission's approval.

"The Inspector General is not the employer of the National Police Service," he said. "The employer is the National Police Service Commission."

The NPSC's decision to nullify Koome's promotions is a major setback for the Inspector General. It is also a sign of the growing rift between the NPSC and the Inspector General.

The NPSC has been critical of Koome's leadership, accusing him of failing to address police corruption and brutality. Koome, on the other hand, has accused the NPSC of interfering with his work.

The NPSC's decision to nullify Koome's promotions is likely to further escalate the tensions between the two bodies. It remains to be seen how the Inspector General will respond to the NPSC's decision.