Lobby Group Drags IG Kanja to Court Over KSh60 Billion Police Payroll Control

Lobby Group Drags IG Kanja to Court Over KSh60 Billion Police Payroll Control

A fierce legal battle is brewing over who controls the police payroll. Sheria Mtaani, a rights lobby group, has sued Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of unlawfully taking over the payment system.

The case, filed before the High Court in Nairobi, seeks urgent orders to stop the IG from managing the payroll.

Through lawyer Danstan Omari, the group argued that the payroll dispute is a national security matter.

“We are seeing a dysfunctional security organ, which is a national security issue. This matter needs to be addressed by the courts,” Omari said.

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Concerns Over Security and Trust

Omari stressed the seriousness of the matter, especially with 10,000 new recruits joining the National Police Service.

“Under the constitution, the IG sits in the National Security Council. But the chairman and commission do not,” he noted.
“So, if paralysis occurs, where will national security be? Who will protect the 55 million Kenyans who rely on the IG’s command?”

The KSh60 billion payroll funds over 100,000 officers nationwide. Sheria Mtaani claims the IG’s takeover risks record tampering and cripples administrative functions.

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Commission’s Mandate in Question

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) says it has the constitutional mandate for recruitment, promotions, and discipline. Yet, the IG is allegedly handling salaries, sparking fears of eroded transparency.

“This is not just an internal squabble. It’s about protecting public funds and the integrity of our security organs,” Omari stressed.

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Government Response and Legal Push

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has acknowledged the payroll row and promised mediation. However, Sheria Mtaani insists only the courts can settle it.

Advocate Wanjiku Waidera, speaking after the petition, said:

“We appreciate the goodwill, but this is a matter for the Judiciary. We need Justice Mugambi to pronounce himself on this issue.”

The petition has been filed under vacation rules, signalling its urgency.

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IG’s Silence and Growing Tensions

The IG has remained tight-lipped since the NPSC raised the payroll matter before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on July 16.

Meanwhile, the lobby group warns the standoff could cripple the police service, leaving the country vulnerable.

With billions at stake and recruitment ongoing, the High Court’s decision could reshape the chain of command in Kenya’s police force.

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Lobby Group Drags IG Kanja to Court Over KSh60 Billion Police Payroll Control