The newly appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Kenya Police Service (KPS) Douglas Kanja Kirocho has been sworn in at the Supreme Court buildings in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome today morning.
Kanja has took over office hours after President William Ruto appointed him from among three others whose names were forwarded last week for consideration following interviews conducted by the National Police Service Commission (NPSC).
“I congratulate the Deputy Inspector General of Police – Kenya Police Service, Douglas Kanja, on your appointment and swearing-in. I have no doubt in my mind that the meritocratic process of your appointment and your wide experience as a professional police officer makes you well qualified for the task ahead of you. I, therefore, have confidence that you will perform your duties in accordance with the law and fairness given that our Constitution venerates the cardinal value and principle of justice.” The Chief Justice said.
The CJ added that one of the mandates of the KPS is to ensure the safety and security of the Kenyan people and their properties urging the DIG-KPS to discharge this mandate within the confines of the constitutionally envisaged democratic policing whilst remaining accountable to the Kenyan people.
“I am confident that in the performance of your duties you will observe the rule of law functioning within the dictates of the constitution. I also urge you to foster close working relations and trust between the police and the people and communities that the police serve. This is necessary given the reality that policing becomes effective when the public and communities cooperate with police in the fight against crime and maintenance of social order.” Koome added during the brief ceremony.
Among those present were Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Administration Police Service (APS) DIG Noor Gabow.
Kanja takes over the KPS leadership mantle at a time the National Police Service (NPS) is on the spotlight over alleged blatant human rights abuses against peaceful demonstrators particularly the Azimio One Kenya Coalition supporters taking part in the now temporarily suspended anti-government protests.
Police have been accused of using excessive force to unarmed civilians and unfairly targeting journalists covering the protests.
