Interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Nkaissery has been accused of militarising the police force by issuing 'unacceptable' orders contrary to the Constitution.
And on Sunday, a host of opposition leaders claimed Mr Nkaissery recently ordered the apprehension and subsequent detention of eight legislators who were later charged with hate speech.
Suna East legislator Junet Mohammed accused the CS of living in the past, and warned him against issuing ‘unacceptable’ orders to an independent police force.
“Mr Nkaissery has no powers to order the arrest of any Kenyans because the Constitution is very clear. He is slowly militarising our police force that is bound by the Constitution,” said Mohammed.
“We have structures that should be followed and obviously the police are an organised force and their roles are clearly outlined. Nkaissery should understand that this is not the Kenya of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The CS has no powers at all to issue arrest orders,” he added.
Siaya Senator James Orengo insisted that Nkaissery risked being sued in court for the ‘improper’ conduct, citing orders given to the police during the IEBC demonstrations.
“The police force is becoming an unlawful force and indisciplined contrary to what we expect of them. This is just as a result of a military officer who wants to own it. He should tread carefully or face us in court,” added Orengo.
Similar remarks were made by MPs Sylvanus Osele (Kaspul Kabondo), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Charles Gen i(North Mugirango) and Aisha Jumwa (Kilifi woman rep).