NAIROBI, Kenya, October 2, 2025 – The Labour Court has suspended the planned recruitment of 10,000 police officers, throwing the exercise into uncertainty after a petition questioned who has the legal authority to run it.
The recruitment was scheduled to start on October 3, but Justice Hellen Wasilwa blocked it pending the determination of a petition filed by politician John Harun Mwau.
Court Blocks Recruitment
In her Thursday ruling, Justice Wasilwa issued interim orders halting the exercise.
“Interim conservatory order is hereby issued staying the entire recruitment pending resolution of the petition,” she said.
She instructed Mwau’s lawyers to serve court papers to Inspector-General (IG) Douglas Kanja, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), the National Police Service (NPS), and Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor.
The case will return to court on October 21 for compliance checks and highlighting of submissions.
For background, read why IG Kanja and the NPSC are clashing over recruitment.
Mwau’s Argument
Mwau argued that the Constitution gives the Inspector-General independent command of the police. Under Article 245(4), he said, no one can direct the IG on employment, promotions, suspensions, or dismissals in the service.
He accused the NPSC of “usurping powers” by announcing the recruitment without authority.
“The commission’s actions, if not suspended, risk dragging the public into an unconstitutional recruitment exercise that is void under Article 2 of the Constitution,” he submitted.
Security and Constitutional Concerns
Mwau also said the NPSC is not a national security organ under Article 238(2)(d) and cannot recruit police officers. He warned that allowing it to proceed would undermine both the Constitution and national security.
The judge agreed that the concerns raised were weighty enough to stop the exercise temporarily. She emphasized that the matter needed careful scrutiny before the mass recruitment could continue.
Impact on Police Service
The suspension affects thousands of young Kenyans who had prepared to join the force. Past recruitment drives often faced controversy, including allegations of bribery and the sale of slots, a problem previously flagged by Transparency International.
Labour analysts told BBC News that the delay could weaken police capacity at a time of rising security concerns. Kenya is currently grappling with violent crime, terror threats, and increasing pressure on overstretched officers.
For related coverage, see how earlier recruitment standoffs ended.
What Next?
The case will be mentioned on October 21. The court will decide whether to extend the suspension or allow the recruitment to proceed.
Analysts say the ruling will shape the balance of power between the IG and the NPSC for years. It could also determine how Kenya handles future police reforms.
