A Naivasha-based traffic police officer was yesterday applauded by the vetting panel after he expressed himself in good English despite dropping out at class seven.
Police constable John Maritim told the panel chaired by National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Chairman Johnston Kavuludi that he couldn't pursue secondary education as his father died when Maritim was 18 years old.
“My father suffered severely from a certain disease for one and a half years after which he later died. We had sold all we had to settle the huge medical bills he left behind in a hospital leaving us with almost nothing. As the eldest of his sons, I had to drop out of school to provide for my 12 siblings,” Maritim told the panel.
Maritim, 49 did his CPE in 1993 and passed well but due to financial constraints ended his studies there.
“I had passed very well in my CPE. The subject I had scored low marks I had a C+ but then, I didn't have money to further my studies,” Maritim added.
Mary Owuor, commissioner with the NPSC lauded his eloquence in English and recommended him to pursue further studies though he said his intention is to educate his children, two of whom are in the university.
Maritim, a father of six was asked why he has not opened his wife an account or even a job which he said Kalenjin culture doesn't allow men to allow their wives to be custodian of finances.
“I have not opened my wife an account since it is contrary to our Kalenjin culture. I normally give her small amounts for needs but the rest I cannot entrust her but she is in charge of our small farm at home,” Maritim continued leaving the vetting panel in stitches.
He was queried why he used to send other officers money once in a while which he said he was in charge of every contribution process since he never drinks or smokes.
“Many officers in the various places I have worked have entrusted me in all the merry-go-round in various stations since I never smoke or drink,” Maritim said.