The Kenya police mourn senior officer Charton Murithi

The Police Service Commission has mourned the former director of personnel at police headquarters, Charlton Murithi, SAIG.

Murithi died on Friday morning at the Kenyatta National Hospital where he was admitted due to complications related to cancer.

In a statement released on Friday evening, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai identified the deceased as a long-time senior officer with a distinguished career.

"He has served the nation and the NPS diligently in various positions with distinction. Until his death, the deceased served as the director of the Kenya National Focal Point on Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons," Mutyambai said in a statement.

The police boss also consoled the family of the deceased, his friends and former colleagues.

"The family of the late Charton Muriithi has been informed of his passing, and the National Police Service is cooperating with them in the funeral arrangements. May God rest his soul in heaven," He said

Murithi also served as an assistant deputy inspector general of police, a rank below the deputy inspector general of police.

He also served as director of the Internal Affairs Division, commander of traffic operations and police officer of the North-East region.

The heir who was battling cancer had been flown to South Africa for treatment three months ago.

He was returned to Kenya and admitted to the Kenyatta National Hospital after his health improved.

A family member said he died at 9am on Friday.

The police visited the hospital and transferred the body to the local mortuary.