The Attorney General has asked for 21 days to respond to a suit filed by three police officers at the Nakuru High Court challenging their transfers.
The police officers based in Nakuru filed a constitutional petition on July 8 to object Inspector General of Police (IG) David Kimaiyo’s decision to transfer them. The officers claim that their medical background cannot allow them to serve in hardship areas.
Samuel Mungai, Joseph Karanja and Teresah Muthoni told the court that they suffer from chronic depression after serving for more than six years in hardship areas.
Wairimu, who is expectant, also termed the move as inconsiderate and inhumane as it would deprive her off the right to health care services, including reproductive health care and emergency medical treatment.
The three claimed they have been posted to Samburu Central, Turkana North and Marakwet respectively. Through their advocate Steve Kabita, the police officers accused the IG of failing to respond to three complaint letters concerning their health status forcing them to file the suit.
Before their transfer and posting to the combat unit, the officers had been serving at Nakuru Central Police station performing general duties. In their petition, the officers noted that their rights have been violated by failing to take into account the human dignity while effecting the transfers from their current station of work.
They avered that the medical treatment they were getting cannot be accessed in their current areas of posting and they are entitled to the highest attainable standard of health. The officers urged the court to issue conservatory orders prohibiting and restraining the IG from transferring them from Nakuru. The officers are among 38 police officers who have been moved out of Nakuru County in a major police reshuffle.