President William Ruto has appointed Douglas Kanja as Kenya’s new Inspector-General of Police Service for a four-year term following his vetting and approval by both Houses of Parliament.
Dr Ruto made the appointment in a gazette notice dated September 19, 2024, just a day after Members of Parliament gave the new police boss the green light to assume the office left vacant by the resignation of Japheth Koome at the height of GenZ-led anti-government protests in July.
Mr Kanja was sworn in on Thursday by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, becoming the sixth Inspector-General since the promulgation of the new Constitution, and the 16th since 1964.
While approving Mr Kanja on Thursday, the MPs said the former GSU commander was the best candidate for the job with his wealth of experience in the service, having risen from a constable to his current position. The lawmakers added that during the vetting Mr Kanja appeared to be well versed in the security sector and had practical solutions to strengthen security in the country.
But even as they praised Mr Kanja, the legislators warned him against tolerating the prevailing culture of enforced disappearances, which they said had been perpetuated by previous office holders.
Mr Kanja is the immediate former Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police and before he was appointed IG, he served as acting IG following the resignation of Koome.
Following the nomination, Deputy IG (Administration Police) Gilbert Masengeli was appointed Acting IG Mr Masengeli came under sharp criticism for failing to comply with court orders. He has been at loggerheads with the Judiciary after he withdrew security from High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
President Ruto Applauds KWS for embracing the digitization of services and increasing its revenues
President William Ruto has commended the Kenya Wildlife Service for embracing the digitization of services and increasing its revenues substantially….
Government Launches Aerial Drone Programme to Combat Quelea Birds
The government has launched an aerial application of bird repellents to control the quelea bird menace devastating wheat and barley…
Judge Mugambi had earlier sentenced Masengeli to six months in jail for failing to comply with seven court summons to explain the whereabouts of activist Bob Micheni Njagi and two brothers, Jamil and Aslam Longton, who were allegedly abducted by people believed to be police.
About The Author
