Police boss who was sacked after vetting challenges decision in court
A senior police officer allegedly sacked over his private source of income on Friday sued his former employer.
Senior Superintendent Shedrack Mutwetumo Maithya who was found unsuitable with 13 other seniors’ officers on May 5 after going through a vetting process twice, challenged the National Police Service Commission’s decision recommendation to send him home.
He faulted the commission for accusing him of not declaring the acreage and location of his house in Kangundo as well as undervaluing it.
He claimed that the commission accused him of hiding his net worth since he did not disclose the house’s clear net worth, providing a clear breakdown of a bar business which he owns and a land rover he sold off last year.
Through lawyer George Kithi, he claimed that the grounds which the commission gave warranting his dismissal despite his 30 years of service, were malicious.
Mr Maithya also faulted the commission for being biased, unfair and discriminatory.
He was twice declared unsuitable following a March 23, 2015 vetting process and a review in February.
“The decisions amounted to gross violation, he is under great and undue anxiety since there is a clear abuse of his right. He would therefore wish to get his day in court to clear his name,” Mr Kithi said.
DECLARED UNSUITABLE
He alleged that there were no complaints against him when he appeared before the vetting panel on the two occasions and that he provided all relevant information as required.
According to Mr Kithi, NPSC found that he undervalued his asset to deceive it from making an evaluation on his financial status and this amounted to frustrating the vetting process and portraying him to be lacking integrity.
He was also allegedly declared unsuitable because his wife is also an inspector but went ahead to purchase a Toyota Corolla at Sh180,000 from the police auction.
He was therefore accused of having a perceived conflict of interest hence found unsuitable as well as incompetent to continue to serve as an officer.
He also claimed that the reasons cited portray him to be corrupt and suggest that his property has been improperly acquired yet he placed before the commission a letter indicating that the house is worth Sh3 million.
He further faulted NPSC for failing to take into account his evidence and acting in an unreasonable manner hence caused him to lose his self-esteem as well confidence from his colleagues and the society.
“He will be unable to get employment with any reputable organization considering that he was discontinued from the service over corruption and personal interest as cited reasons but no evidence to show it,” Mr Kithi said.
He wants the commission’s decisions to be declared unlawful, be quashed and that it be ordered to consider re-vetting him a third time. He also wants compensation for his salary and other emoluments which were consequently stopped.