The Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (Fida Kenya) has faulted the appointment of Joel Kitili as Deputy Inspector General of Police.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

Fida said the appointment was unconstitutional, in total disregard of court processes and against the two thirds gender principle.

Kitili was sworn in on Wednesday by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga at the Supreme Court.

“It is appalling that despite the Constitutional requirement that in any public appointment, the head and deputy cannot be of same gender, the Chairman of the National Police Service Commission, Mr Johnston Kavuludi went ahead to shortlist and secretly interview male candidates for the position of the deputy Inspector general and finally the appointment Mr Joel Kitili. This action is so unfortunate at a time when the government is trying to convince Kenyans of its commitment to uphold the spirit and the letter of the Constitution,” Josephine Mongare, Chairperson Fida Kenya said in a communication Wednesday.

Mongare said the appointment erodes constitutional gains of women empowerment.

“It is despicable, that when Kenya is still struggling with gender disparity especially in leadership positions, the country is once again treated to an ultra vires and unconstitutional decision of the appointment of a male Deputy Inspector General; an outright defiance of the Constitutional provisions on 2/3rd gender principle and the national values.”

She said the move was in disregard of ongoing court processes, that at first instance challenged the removal of Grace Kaindi former Deputy Inspector General.

Kitili has been acting DIG since September 4, 2015 after Kaindi was forced out of office in controversial circumstances.

“This is a clear despise for the female fraternity in the police force and nation at large. To safeguard the rights women have gained in the Constitution of Kenya, Fida Kenya will move the courts to declare the said appointment unconstitutional and challenge any legislation purporting to allow such violations.

The Fida chairperson said there are enough competent women in Kenya to fill the position and demand that one be hired.