Despite the rigorous interviews, the appointment of the CEO of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) remained in limbo after the authority’s chair disagreed with the outcome.
Seven out of the total number of members of the interview panel approved the appointment of the acting CEO Elema Halake. Halake, who is also the Director of Investigations, emerged top after scoring 86.28 percent.
However, according to the minutes of the meeting seen by K24 Digital, the chairperson Ann Makori protested and walked out of the meeting and refused to sign the minutes.
“Based on the requirements of the job and the candidates’ performance, it was resolved that the candidate ranked number one should be appointed as the Director/Chief Executive Officer,” the minutes read.
The minutes of the meeting were signed by Vice-Chair Jonathan Lodompui, Commissioners Doreen Muthaura, Praxedes Tororey, Fatuma Muhamed, Walter Ogony, and Roseline Odede and also the head of Human Capital, Solomon Lemuren.
Some of the Commissioners said that when the results were announced, the chairperson disagreed with the outcome and walked out of the meeting.
“The vice-chairperson proceeded with the meeting and it was resolved that the best candidate be appointed with immediate effect,” the commissioners said.
Halake has been acting in the position which was advertised earlier. A total of seven people were shortlisted, including him.
Halake got 86.28 percent and was followed by Christopher Kinyua Wanjau of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) who got 66.58 percent.
Simon Cheruiyot came in third with 62.28 percent. Samson Wangusi Palia, the former head of the Kenya Relief and Rehabilitation Department who scored 53.72 percent.
Makori has however denied claims that the meeting ended abruptly saying the process had proceeded to the next stage of security vetting.
She added that the names of the top three will be forwarded for vetting.
“As you are aware, it is a legal requirement that security vetting for a senior position as this, being that the office-bearer will be IPOA’s accounting officer due diligence must be done,” she said.
“I am in compliance and therefore forwarding the names of the above top three candidates for security vetting and clearance.”
