The Senate approved Douglas Kanja’s nomination as Kenya’s new Inspector General of Police on Tuesday, following a vetting process by a joint parliamentary committee.
Kanja, who served as acting Inspector General after his predecessor, Japheth Koome, left the position, will now officially take over as the head of the National Police Service.
The Senate’s endorsement came after the National Administration and Internal Security Committee of the National Assembly and Senate’s National Security Committee approved his appointment.
The joint committee, in its report, recommended Kanja for the position, stating: “After considering the suitability, competence, experience, and integrity of Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, CBS, OGW, during the approval process… the committee recommends that Parliament approve the nomination of [Kanja] for appointment as Inspector General of the National Police Service.”
Kanja is a step away from the office after the Senate endorsed his candidacy and now awaits final approval by the National Assembly.
He is expected to oversee the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service.
Members of the Senate congratulated him for his vast experience and career accomplishments, while also noting the significant challenges facing the NPS.
Many leaders, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, urged that the police perform their duties with professionalism.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua reminded Kanja of the changes in definition of the police reflected in constitution amendments, urging him to “safeguard the reforms that had been enshrined constitutionally on the National Police Service into a service.”
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige asked Kanja to ensure that any police action is within the court’s orders, especially on the use of live bullets and the conduct of police officers in civilian clothing.
“I hope the new IG will take note of the court ruling that has pronounced itself clearly about using live bullets, about police in civilian clothing, and masked officers,” she said.
Kanja has had a distinguished career in the police force, where he joined as a constable in 1985. The police officer, who comes from Nyeri County, has been able to scale through the ranks following his commitment and a track record of discipline.
His major achievements include leading the response to the DusitD2 Hotel terror attack in January 2019 and managing operations in Boni Forest.
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