A senior Kenyan policeman broke down and wept before the National Police Service Commission vetting team in Eldoret town on Monday.
Superintendent of police Joshua Seto, who is based at Kenyan police headquarters Vigilance House directorate of operations, was explaining why he rarely withdraws money from his account yet he does not have another source of income.
The senior officers are being grilled so that those found to be corrupt can be retired or sacked.
Seto, who has accumulated more than Sh8.3 million ($92,000) in his account, said he is saving money to change his life instead of suffering forever with a small salary.
He has saved the money for more than 25 years.
Seto had been asked by Rev Ekitala Ariko, a member of the vetting panel, why he rarely withdraws money from the account yet he had not declared any other source of income for his family.
“I come from a very poor family and when I was employed as a police officer, as an A level, to earn such money, I saw that as a half full glass not half empty,” he said.
Seto’s starting salary was Sh2,150.
“I got satisfaction from that day and decided that I will not be poor again,” he said.
Seto said he took out his first loan of Sh20,000 and spent Sh500 on his family.
“I gave her Sh19,500 to go and do business so that we can change our lives,” said the sobbing officer.
NPSC chairman Johnston Kavuludi asked suspending questioning until Seto calmed down.
Seto said he once served as a teacher and decided to combine sacrifice and obedience while in the police service.
“I wanted to be a full employee with satisfaction and focus, I told my wife please, let’s change our lifestyle by saving,” he said amid tears.
He worked as a traffic officer in Molo, Turkana and Moyale before he was moved to Nairobi
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago said the exercise will help to clean up the police service.
– See more at: The Star
