They say respect has to be earned. But when it comes to titles, there are those who will face the dilemma of who will respect who especially if both ranks level each other. But at the end of the day there will be a powerful roar and someone will bow.
Inspector General Joseph Boinnet and DCI chief George Kinoti are battling over pending reforms that would strip detectives of their rank and require them to report to uniformed officers.
Kinoti is said to be pushing for review of the changes announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta on September 13, requiring the more or less independent DCI officers to report to regional police commanders. Technically, the DCI chief is personally expected to report to the IG.
The two openly crossed swords at a meeting at DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road last Saturday.
The session was called to contain a falling out between uniformed officers and their plainclothes colleagues over changes instituted by the National Police Service Commission.
The leadership and reporting changes are among far-reaching reforms also involving a dramatic change in uniform to non-militaristic blue, better housing, a new reporting structure for the Administration, Traffic and other police formations.
Boinnet has remained adamant, however, that the streamlined more cohesive structure announced by the President would not be altered.
Several persons attending the Saturday meeting said Boinnet urged the DCI to find alternative ways to redeploy senior officers who fear the changes will see them lose their rank, offices and status.
The Administrative Police, commanded by DIG Noor Gabow, will now focus on protective and border security and combat cattle rusting and banditry.
The Regular Police, under the command of DIG Edward Mbugua, will focus on public safety and security. The DCI has been tasked with criminal investigations.
The officers earlier asked Kinoti to seek audience with Uhuru.
In the past, DCI chiefs in regions, counties and even police stations, have been independent and only answered to their DCI bosses.
Under the new structure, they will report to the head of police in the area of command.
This means at the county level, the DCI chief will answer to the police commander, who is not from the DCI.
Do yo think the officers should fear or cry over the loss of ranks?