INSPECTOR General of Police nominee Joseph Boinett yesterday promised to introduce radical reforms and wipe out corruption in the police service.
“I might be tiny physically, but let me assure you, I do not tolerate nonsense and do not accept mediocrity. I will deal with corruption and abuse of human rights,” he said.
Boinett was being vetted for the job by a joint committee of the Senate and National Assembly at County Hall.
The joint committee comprised the Senate Committee on National Security and National Assembly Committee on Administration and the National Security chaired by Senator Yusuf Haji (Garissa) and MP Asman Kamama (Tiaty) respectively.
Boinett said his 30-year experience in the security sector qualifies him to be the country’s third inspector general of police.
He was nominated to replace David Kimaiyo, who resigned for “personal reasons” last December 2.
At Independence in 1963 and until 1965, Kenya’s Inspector General of Police was the Briton Richard Catling.
“I believe I am equal to the task. I will continue reforming the police service in line with the constitution. If this committee approves me, I promise to wipe out corruption, which has riddled the sector for long,” he said.
“I have the necessary training, both academic and professional experience, which I have acquired for the last 30 years.”
Boinett promised to act promptly on intelligence supplied by the National Intelligence Service.
“I know how intelligence is gathered, analysed and consumed. Having worked in the intelligence department gives me the advantage and I will be acting on it swiftly to deter crime,” he said.
Boinett promised to improve the work conditions for police officers, saying he will not allow cops to overstay in one station.
Kamama said the committee will discuss Boinett’s education background during the report writing stage.
