The National Security Council (NSC) has been holding a series of meetings in recent weeks to discuss who will succeed Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet, whose term is ending.
According to sources, the council chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta has selected a number of candidates from the National Police Service (NPS) as well as from other security agencies as possible successors.
Even as members of the council vouch for some candidates, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), which is charged with employing and grading National Police Service staff, is yet to be vetted by the National Assembly.
On Tuesday, President Kenyatta appointed Mr Eliud Kinuthia to succeed Mr Johnston Kavuludi as NPSC chairman.
The President also appointed Ms Lilian Kiamba, Mr Eusebius Laibuta, Mr Naphtaly Rono, Dr Alice Otwala and Mr John ole Moyaki members of the commission. They will serve for five years.
The nominees will be vetted by the National Assembly’s Administration and National Security Committee before they are formally appointed.
The NPSC Act requires the National Assembly to approve or reject the nominees within 21 days from the date the Speaker makes the announcement.
Mr Boinnet was sworn in before Chief Justice Willy Mutunga on March 11, 2015, after being vetted by a joint Senate and National Assembly committee, where he pledged to fill the gaps in the country’s security system and strengthen intelligence in the fight against crime.
Now, four years down the line, and in accordance with the Section 18 of the National Police Service Act, the service is about to bid goodbye to the man about whom the country knew little before his appointment.
Other sources within the NPS said Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, Deputy Inspector-General Edward Mbugua and Mr Gabow are also being considered for the position.
Former National Counter Terrorism Centre Director Isaac Ochieng, General Service Unit Commandant Douglas Kanja, Director of Corporate Communications Charles Owino and the Police Training Cllege Commandant Kingóri Mwangi were also mentioned as some of the potential candidates for the position.
However, Mr Kinoti, whose term lasts six years, might not be selected because his current war against corruption may be crippled.
An Assistant Inspector-General stationed at Vigilance House said officers preferred the appointment of an insider who understands the service well.
Approached to comment on his term, Mr Boinnet said it was premature but promised to talk towards the end of his tenure.