President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday nominated Hillary Nzioki Mutyambai, a little-known top spy, to replace the outgoing Inspector General of Police Joseph Kipchirchir Boinnet.
The position is key in the security of the country because as IG, he will run the National Police Service as the Chief Executive Officer.
Mutyambai is a trained police officer with a vast experience on security matters.
His stellar career in the police service saw him rise from a junior officer in the then Kenya Police Force in 1991 to the rank of Superintendent of Police.
In 1998, he joined the then Directorate of Security Intelligence where he continued to rise the ranks to become the Deputy Director in charge of Counter-Terrorism in the National Intelligence Service.
In his role as the Deputy Director in-charge of Countering Terrorism, Mutyambai is credited for working closely with police and military units in the fight against terrorism in the country.
In addition, Mutyambai underwent special training on counter-terrorism and advanced security in the U.S, Operational Management in the United Kingdom and Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism in Israel.
Mutyambai holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s of Arts degree in National Security Policy from the Australian National University.
As per the law, he will be vetted by the National Assembly’s security committee, and if his nomination is approved by Parliament, the President will appoint him as the new IG.
The IG is in charge of the 100,000 personnel in KPS, APS, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and General Service Unit.
In the meantime, an acting IG will be named by the new National Police Service Commission after their swearing-in ceremony.
Reports indicate that the acting IG is likely going to be either APS’ Noor Gabow or Kenya Police DIG Njoroge Mbugua.