Kenya’s National Police Service Commission (NPSC) began its third phase of police vetting Monday (March 3rd), targeting 166 senior assistant commissioners and assistant commissioners of police, Kenya’s Capital FM reported.

In a procedural change meant to speed up the evaluation process, four panels questioned 32 senior officers to determine their suitability for service.

Several high-profile officers appeared in the first round of vetting, including Vitalis Otieno of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters, Traffic Commandant Samuel Kimaru and head of the Nairobi branch of the CID Patrick Muhuni.

When asked about the illegal drug problem in the country, Otieno said proper training and equipment were needed to detect drugs and curb corruption.

“It [would be] better off if border points and airports have equipment to detect drugs… you cannot detect drugs by just looking at them,” he said.

“Placements of officers is very important,” he added. “We must choose the right officers who have passion in fighting the menace. It has so many temptations…”

For his part, when asked about his job performance, Kimaru said seven officers have been sacked, eight demoted and 32 disciplined for taking bribes.

Muhuni said for crime to be reduced and justice served, the police and the judiciary had to work together. He said it was frustrating for criminals to be apprehended, only to be released by the courts for improper arrest procedures.