Douglas Kanja was officially sworn in as the fifth Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Supreme Court buildings. This marks a significant moment as Kanja takes over from Japhet Koome, who resigned in July following a wave of protests led by Generation Z against the Finance Act 2024.
Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the swearing-in ceremony.His appointment came just hours after President William Ruto officially nominated him to the position, following a thorough vetting process by both the National Assembly and the Senate. Kanja’s candidacy was approved by the Senate on Wednesday and subsequently by the National Assembly, paving the way for his formal appointment.
Kanja, who previously served as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police, is expected to bring his extensive experience to his new role as he leads the police force in tackling security challenges across the country. He succeeds Japhet Koome, whose resignation came at a time of public unrest, and who had been instrumental in various reforms within the police service.
During the transition period after Koome’s resignation, Gilbert Masengeli served as Acting Inspector General. Kanja’s appointment is seen as a move to stabilize the leadership of the National Police Service and strengthen efforts in law enforcement, particularly as the country faces evolving security threats.
Kanja’s rise to the top police post underscores his long-standing commitment to the force, and his leadership will be critical in addressing both the operational challenges and public expectations of the NPS. His tenure is expected to focus on maintaining peace and order, addressing civil unrest, and reforming police operations to align with contemporary needs.
