Senate endorse Kanja’s nomination as Inspector General of Police
The Senate has approved the nomination of Douglas Kanja as the Inspector General of Police.
This is after the National Assembly joint committee vetted Kanja last week.
The National Assembly’s National Administration and Internal Security and Senate’s National Security Committee in their recommendations said Kanja is fit for the job.
“The committee, having considered the suitability, competence, experience, and integrity of Douglas Kanja following the approval process and into consideration its observations and findings, and under provisions of the constitution, Public appointments (Parliamentary Approval), the NPS Act.” The report by the joint panel stated in part.
“The National Assembly spanking orders and Senate Standing Orders, recommend that parliament approves the nomination of Douglas Kanja for appointment of Police IG.” It added.
Senators have heaped praises on Kanja saying he is an experienced officer.
The legislators however challenged him to implement reforms and change the image of the National Police Service.
“We want the police under article 245 to do their job with professionalism.” Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei stated.
“As we wish Douglas Kanja well in the service, we want to remind him of a few things. Following the enactment of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the police force then was changed into a service and under that service, we created the office of the IG of Police.” Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua added.
On his part, Nyamira Senator Okongo Mogeni asked the IG designate to reverse the trend where police officers arrest suspects while masked.
“Why should the police arrest people while hiding their faces? Are they thugs? Anybody arresting me, I should be able to know who that person is, I should have a right to inform my lawyer. I want Kenyans to be arrested the way Senator Mandago was arrested.” He said.
With the senate’s endorsement, Kanja now awaits approval by the National Assembly to become the country’s new IG.
