Sheria Mtaani has filed a petition seeking to block Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, the National Police Service and the Attorney General from taking over management of the police payroll.
In an application filed at the High Court, the lobby group through their lawyer Danstan Omari wants conservatory orders issued to restrain the respondents from altering or controlling the payroll pending determination of the case.
The petition cites a dispute between the Inspector General and the National Police Service Commission regarding payroll management, arguing that it raises constitutional questions under Articles 245, 246 and 249 of the Constitution as well as the National Police Service Act.
The group says payroll administration is central to implementing human resource decisions such as recruitment, promotions, transfers, suspensions and disciplinary actions, and warns that unilateral changes could disrupt ongoing processes and pose a national security risk.
According to the petition, taking control of the payroll without oversight undermines the Commission’s mandate, risks deletion or alteration of records and breaches due process rights guaranteed under Article 47.
Sheria Mtaani maintains that the orders sought would not prejudice any party, since they aim to preserve the current payroll structure and ensure continuity of police remuneration until the court rules on the matter.
The application has been filed during the High Court recess, with the lobby urging the court to consider it urgently to prevent what it terms administrative paralysis, institutional conflict and erosion of public confidence in the National Police Service.