Ruto’s police commission nominees pledge reforms, improved public trust amid vetting by MPs

President William Ruto’s nominees to the National Police Service Commission have committed to driving police reforms, enhancing accountability, and restoring public trust as they underwent intense vetting by the National Assembly’s Administration and Internal Security Committee.

Prof Collette Suda, Benjamin Juma Imai, and Peris Muthoni Kimani appeared before the committee on Monday and were questioned on their wealth, impartiality, and readiness to tackle serious issues like enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, bribery, and falling public confidence in the police.

The three nominees declared a combined net worth of Sh252 million, with Suda at Sh175 million, Kimani at Sh50 million, and Juma at Sh27 million.

Their financial status raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest in overseeing a service plagued by corruption allegations.

Albert Ojwang's death

Committee Chair Gabriel Tongoyo cited the recent death of Albert Ojwang, who died under unclear circumstances in police custody, as an example of the crisis facing the police service.

“Public trust is going down day by day. What are you going to do about this?” he asked.

Prof Suda, a seasoned academic and former top government official, defended her appointment amid questions about her lack of policing experience and suggestions that she may be overqualified.

“I want to say I have had extensive experience in academia and public service, and I believe it’s only fair that I share it while serving in this position,” she said.

Long-overdue reforms

Suda said she would push for more budget allocation for the police to enable long-overdue reforms and partner with oversight bodies to ensure transparency.

“Police will be accountable for their behaviour and actions,” she added.

Benjamin Juma, a retired assistant inspector general of police, stressed the need to implement the police reform proposals by the David Maraga task force.

“On the Maraga report, I will undertake police reforms. We must examine the organisational structure and ensure accountability of police officers,” he said.

Public apologies

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• President William Ruto
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• extrajudicial killings
• enforced disappearances
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• Prof Collette Suda
• Benjamin Juma Imai
• Peris Muthoni Kimani
• David Maraga task force
• Ruto’s police commission nominees pledge reforms
• improved public trust amid vetting by MPs

Juma also backed stronger roles for IPOA and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, suggesting that public apologies should be made when officers are in the wrong.

“Our institutions must [be] strengthened to fast-track oversight. We will restore trust through public apologies and by making officers accountable,” he said.

He also faced questions about his role in security operations in Boni Forest, where 111 alleged human rights violations reportedly went unaddressed.

Peris Kimani, a 39-year police veteran and former deputy inspector general, said rogue officers would be dealt with firmly.

“Uncooperative officers will face the full force of the law,” she said.

However, Kimani rejected the idea of using digital recruitment in the police force, arguing that poor network connectivity in remote areas would lock out many applicants.

Committee Vice-Chair Dido Raso questioned whether former officers like Kimani and Juma could remain neutral in oversight roles, while Oku Kaunya sought answers on how they would rebuild public trust in a police service still struggling to modernise.

The nominees all committed to fostering gender inclusivity, promoting diversity, and working with oversight agencies to clean up the police service and rebuild confidence among citizens.