NAIROBI,Kenya, Nov, 17 – Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Captain Robert Kipkorir Mutai was Tuesday arraigned before a court-martial at Langata Barracks to answer various charges of recruitment malpractices.
The officer appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Boaz Ombewa to answer the charges allegedly committed during the February 2021 national recruitment drive.
According to the court prosecutor Lieutenant Colonel Arnet Naija, Captain Mutai was charged with obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 313 of the Penal code and conduct prejudice of good order and service discipline contrary to section 121 of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, 2012.
The charges include obtaining ninety thousand (Ksh90,000) on February 09th 2021 from Mr. Mahamed Shambaro with a promise that he would influence the recruitment of Abdulaziz Barisa Shambaro in Garsen recruiting centre, Tana River County while deployed as an administrative officer.
On another count, the accused allegedly obtained two hundred and ten (Ksh 210,000) from Sgt. Mwanaisha Abdalla in Marafa, Kilifi county in the pretext that he aided the recruitment of Mr. Suleiman Hare Kaginya into KDF.
The accused denied the charges and his case was adjourned until 25th January 2022.
KDF remains committed to ensure that the recruitment exercise is conducted with integrity and is free, fair and open to all eligible Kenyans.
Ongoing Recruitment
KDF kicked off their national recruitment exercise on Monday which is set to run until November 26, 2021.
The process will be overseen by KDF chief recruitment officers, Ethics and Anti-Corruption officers, National Intelligence Service officers and local police within the specified jurisdictions.
The KDF recruitment teams will be at 347 centres nationwide.
KDF announced it will be recruiting General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Regular), General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets (Graduate degree holders), Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen/women and Defence Forces Constables.
“14,November, 2021, was the last day for specialists and tradesmen to submit their applications the online portal. 60,000 applications have so far come in. he shortlisted candidates will be notified between November 21 and 24.2021,” said Vice Chief of the Defence Forces Lt Gen Francis Ogolla.
This is the second recruitment to take place this year. The cohort that was recruited in February 2021 graduated on November 5, 2021.
The initially recruitment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At least three people have been arrested so far after allegedly attempting to bribe their way to the service.
Cognisant of the gender balance, Lt Gen Francis Ogolla said thatchy are seeking to about 20 per cent of women from the total estimated target.
“We are aware of the gender of policy. We have been progressive since 2019 we recruited 11 per cent, increased to 15 per cent in 2020 and the one which took place in January this year we had 17 per cent of women recruited. We intend to increase it to 18 to 20 per cent,” he said.
Kenyans were meanwhile warned not to be dumped into bribing their way not the service.
“It is unfortunate that many Kenyans have in the past fallen prey of unscrupulous people who have solicited for money. No calling letter will be issued outside the recruitment centre. Should any one offer a bribe they have themselves to blame,”
Also 21 military officials are facing court marshal sessions for being involved in malpractices linked to past recruitment.
Several recruits were meanwhile turned away after they tested positive for consumption of hard drugs.
The KDF revealed that it was unfortunate since most of them were intelligent and had qualified to be adopted into the service.
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