Douglas Kanja: New IG Set to Be Sworn in at State House after Unanimous Approval by MPs

 

Douglas Kanja 

The National Assembly has approved the appointment of Douglas Kanja as the next Inspector General of Police. Douglas Kanja awaits to be sworn in at the state house after the latest hurdle.  In a special motion held on Wednesday, September 18, lawmakers debated and voted on the report presented by Gabriel Tongoyo, chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Administration and National Security, which recommended Kanja's appointment to the role. The National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang'ula, confirmed the outcome, stating that both the National Assembly and Senate had endorsed Kanja's appointment after thorough vetting.

  "Taking into consideration the findings of the joint committees of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs and the Senate standing committee on Defence and Foreign Relations in its report on the vetting of Douglas Kanja Kirocho for approval as the Inspector General of the National Police Service. This house approves the appointment of Douglas Kanja Kirocho as the Inspector General of the National Police Service," Wetang'ula said. This decision clears the final hurdle for Kanja, who will be sworn in as the new IG at the State House on Thursday, September 19. 

What are MPs' expectations for Kanja’s tenure As he takes on his new responsibilities, Members of Parliament have made it clear that they expect significant reforms in the police service. The House stressed that Kanja must confront several challenges, including a growing crisis of public confidence in the police. Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda expressed Kenyans' frustrations, calling on Kanja to leave the comfort of his office and engage with the realities on the ground. "We need an Inspector-General who will get out of those air-conditioned offices and go to the ground and go and see what is going on. I can attest that Kanja is one such gentleman who listens to issues raised by MPs from experience and I have no doubt in my mind that he is going to deliver," Lesuuda remarked. 

Furthermore, Kanja was tasked with improving the welfare of police officers, especially those in the lower ranks. He takes the helm of the National Police Service at a time when it's facing a rising wave of public distrust. What are the grounds for IG's removal The IG office fell vacant following former Inspector General Japhet Koome's resignation during the anti-government protests. According to the constitution, the president cannot outright fire an IG without following the procedure. Article 245 of the 2010 Constitution provides the grounds upon which an IG can be removed from office. The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) plays a critical role in the removal of an IG from office. 

by  Didacus Malowa