Kenya’s police chief, Japhet Koome, stepped down on Friday amidst widespread criticism of the police force’s handling of recent anti-government demonstrations, which resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals.
Following President William Ruto‘s removal of nearly his entire cabinet on Thursday, the president’s office announced Koome’s resignation.
According to the presidency, Deputy Inspector-General Douglas Kanja was appointed as the acting police chief with immediate effect.
The former Nairobi County Police Commander became Inspector General in 2022 after President Ruto nominated him.