The Employment and Labour Relations Court has nullified the planned nationwide police recruitment, ruling that the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) lacks the legal authority to conduct or preside over the exercise.

Delivering her judgment on Thursday, Justice Hellen Wasilwa stated that the recruitment, training, and delegation of duties to police officers fall squarely under the mandate of the National Police Service (NPS), led by the Inspector General of Police.

“The recruitment by the national security organs under Article 232 of the Constitution can only be done by the national security organ itself and not by any other entity outside it,” Justice Wasilwa ruled.

NPSC Overstepped Its Mandate

The court found that the Commission’s involvement in the recruitment process contravened Article 232 of the Constitution, which outlines the principles of public service, including clear delineation of roles and accountability mechanisms within security organs.

Justice Wasilwa emphasised that the NPSC’s role is limited to oversight and administrative functions, not operational ones such as recruitment or dismissal of officers.

“The role of recruiting and dismissing police officers is exclusively that of the Inspector General of Police. Any overreach into this function would interfere with the IG’s independence,” she said.

The ruling effectively nullifies the recently advertised national recruitment drive, terming it “null and void.”

Implications for Police Service Operations

The decision draws a clear constitutional boundary between the NPS and NPSC, which have previously clashed over control of critical human resource functions, including promotions, transfers, and disciplinary procedures.

By reaffirming that internal security and personnel management rest with the NPS, the court underscored the operational independence of the Inspector General as envisioned under the Constitution.

Justice Wasilwa further clarified that the Commission does not play a role in the country’s internal security management and therefore has no authority to preside over police recruitment.

The ruling means that any future police recruitment will have to be organised and executed by the National Police Service, through the office of the Inspector General, in line with the law.

It remains unclear whether the NPSC will appeal the decision, which significantly reshapes the framework of police administration and oversight in Kenya.

The body of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Kochi, India, marking a solemn chapter in Kenya’s history.

Draped in the Kenyan flag, the casket was received by President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga, in an emotional ceremony that reflected the nation’s deep respect for a man celebrated as the father of devolution and a pillar of Kenya’s democracy.

The late Odinga was accorded full military honours, with a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) gun carriage and ceremonial band leading the official reception. Officers, dressed in formal regalia, stood in formation along the runway, rehearsing slow, mournful tunes as the plane taxied in. Every movement—down to the polishing of the gun carriage tyres—reflected the precision and reverence of the occasion.

Security was tight around the airport, with members of the public restricted from the main terminal to prevent congestion. Nonetheless, hundreds of supporters gathered outside JKIA, many wearing ODM-branded shirts and caps, waving flags, and singing liberation songs in tribute to their fallen leader.

Aboard the Kenya Airways flight was a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, and Migori Senator Eddy Oketch. From the Odinga family, EALA MP Winnie Odinga represented the family alongside other close relatives.

The body was later transported to Lee Funeral Home under a heavy security escort, ahead of public viewing at Parliament Buildings beginning Friday morning.

President Ruto has declared that Raila Odinga will be honoured with a state funeral, to be coordinated by a national committee co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.

In keeping with the late Odinga’s personal wishes, he will be laid to rest within 72 hours of his death. A public funeral service is scheduled for Friday at Nyayo Stadium, followed by burial on Sunday at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, where he will be interred beside his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and son Fidel Odinga.

Kenya is observing a seven-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast and Friday declared a public holiday in honour of the man whose legacy shaped the nation’s democratic journey.

The elite Presidential Guard Company (G Company) has a new Commandant following a mini-reshuffle within the General Service Unit (GSU), sanctioned by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Kenya Police Service.

According to an internal memo dated October 9, 2025, Commissioner of Police (CP) Charles Kases Losur, formerly staff officer for operations in the Nairobi Region, has been appointed as the new Commanding Officer of the Presidential Guard Company.

He replaces CP Ernest Cheruiyot, who has been redeployed to GSU Headquarters as Staff Officer, Operations.

Other key changes include the promotion of AIG Goddhard Kamau, former commander of the elite Recce Company, to Deputy Commandant of the GSU, while CP William Kiptoo Sawe takes over as Recce Company Commanding Officer.

Additionally, SSP Charles Chesir Kibowen moves from GSU Headquarters to head the basic training wing at the National Police College, Embakasi B campus.

The changes, communicated through a signal dated October 8, are part of efforts to strengthen leadership and operational efficiency within the GSU’s specialized units, including the Recce Company and Presidential Guard, which handle high-security and counter-terror operations.

The Presidential Guard Company is responsible for protecting State House, state lodges, and the President’s residences, working alongside the Presidential Escort Unit and local police when required.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has been appointed to the FIFA Institutional Relations Committee, marking the first time Kenya has earned representation on one of FIFA’s high-level standing committees.

In a statement, Hussein expressed gratitude to FIFA for the appointment, describing it as a major milestone for both Kenya and the region.

“My gratitude to the team at FIFA for trusting Kenya with this critical position in the standing committees of FIFA,” said Hussein. “It is the first time for Kenya to be in these committees at the global level, and we have shown our commitment and dedication to improving football standards not only for Kenya but also across the region.”

He hailed the appointment as a significant step forward for Kenyan football, noting that it provides an opportunity for the country to contribute directly to shaping global football policy and governance.

“We will put our best foot forward,” Hussein affirmed, pledging to advance the interests of Kenya and Africa within the world football governing body.

With his new role, Hussein joins a select group of global football administrators serving under FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The FIFA Institutional Relations Committee plays a key role in managing relations between FIFA, its member associations, confederations, and other football stakeholders worldwide. The committee also provides advisory input on governance and cooperation matters that enhance football’s global framework.

Hussein’s appointment comes as Kenyan football continues to reform and rebuild its credibility following years of administrative challenges.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya congratulated the FKF President on his appointment, calling it a historic milestone for both Kenya and the CECAFA region.

“This historic milestone marks a proud moment for Kenya and the CECAFA region, reflecting Kenya’s rising stature in global football administration and underscores our shared commitment to advancing good governance and international collaboration in the sport,” said Mvurya.

The CS also congratulated Abdalla Yusuf Ibrahim, a member of the FKF National Executive Committee and President of Donholm Seniors FC, for his appointment to the FIFA Stadium and Security Committee.

Mvurya noted that the dual appointments reflect growing international recognition of Kenya’s progress in football management and reform, reinforcing the nation’s ambition to play a bigger role in shaping the sport’s global direction.