A Nairobi court has cleared the way for the nationwide police recruitment exercise scheduled for tomorrow, after approving the withdrawal of a petition that had sought to stop it.
The petition filed at the high court by civil society group Sheria Mtaani and activist Shadrach Wambui, initially challenged the recruitment on constitutional grounds, questioning the roles of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the National Police Service Commission.
However, the petitioners informed the court that they had received overwhelming feedback from the public, with young people and parents urging them to drop the case.
During Tuesday’s hearing before Justice Lawrence Mugambi at Milimani High Court, the petitioners’ lawyer, Danstan Omari, said they had received over 20,000 calls and messages from youth who had already travelled to recruitment centres at personal expense.
He argued that blocking the exercise would inconvenience applicants and was not in the public interest, especially as thousands of young Kenyans were eager to join the National Police Service ahead of the 2027 General Election and ongoing international assignments such as in Haiti.
Lawyer Paul Nyamodi, representing IGP Douglas Kanja, and other parties in the case, did not object to the withdrawal. Justice Mugambi allowed the petitioners’ request, noting: “I find no reason to deny the application for withdrawal. The matter is hereby withdrawn with no orders as to costs.”
The Attorney General had earlier opposed the petition, warning that suspending recruitment could undermine the police command structure and interfere with the IGP’s mandate.
With the withdrawal now granted, the recruitment of approximately 10,000 officers will proceed as planned, offering a fresh opportunity for young Kenyans to join the National Police Service and contribute to both national and international security operations.
