President William Ruto has officially appointed Douglas Kanja as the Inspector-General of police after his approval by Parliament.
Ruto made the appointment on Thursday after MPs in the National Assembly approved Kanja for the position of IG.
The new IG now takes over the role from Gilbert Masengeli who was last week convicted by High Court judge Lawrence Mugambi for violating court summons. Masengeli, who has been the acting IG, now goes back to his post as the deputy IG.
A former deputy inspector-general of police, Kanja takes over from Japheth Koome who resigned from the position in July this year.
He brings to office a career spanning nearly four decades in law enforcement, having begun his service in 1985 and steadily rising through the ranks.
Kanja, aged 61 years, has extensive experience including his role as the General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant where he served as DIG for five years.
He also held the position of GSU Deputy Commandant for three years, alongside serving as Kilifi County Police Commander, Deputy Commandant of the Kenya Airports Police Unit, Chief Armourer at Police Headquarters, and other senior posts within the National Police Service.
The new IG comes to office at a time when the police service has been facing increased scrutiny from the public over allegations of rampant corruption among police officers, accusations of extra-judicial killings, police brutality among other issues.
NPS has also been reeling under the pressure of lack of resources and low morale among police officers, sometimes affecting their work.
During debate in Parliament confirming his appointment, MPs asked the new IG to prioritise an adherence to the rule of law, curtail the impunity by police officers among other issues.
“Committees having considered the suitability, competence, experience and integrity of Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, CBS, OGW following the approval process, and taking into account its observations and findings,” said Baringo Senator William Cheptumo who chairs the Senate internal security committee that vetted Kanja.
“And pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act, (Cap. 7F), the National Police Service Act, (Cap. 84), the National Assembly Standing Orders and the Senate Standing Orders, recommend that Parliament approves the nomination of Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, CBS, OGW for appointment as the Inspector-General of the National Police Service,” added Cheptumo.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
