President William Ruto has appointed Douglas Kanja as Kenya’s new Inspector-General of Police Service for a four-year term.
This appointment was officially announced in a gazette notice dated September 18, 2024, following his vetting and approval by both Houses of Parliament.
Kanja’s appointment fills the position left vacant by the resignation of Japheth Koome following widespread anti-government protests led by GenZ in July.
Douglas Kanja was sworn in on September 19, 2024, by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court in Nairobi.
He becomes the sixth Inspector-General since the new Constitution was adopted and the 16th since Kenya gained independence in 1964.
During his confirmation, Members of Parliament praised Kanja’s extensive experience in the police service, noting his rise from a constable to his previous role as Deputy Inspector General.
MPs commended his understanding of the security sector and his practical solutions for enhancing national security. However, they cautioned him against allowing the continuation of enforced disappearances, a practice they criticized previous office holders for tolerating.
Before his appointment as Inspector-General, Kanja served as acting IG following Koome’s resignation.
Koome resigned after facing criticism over police conduct during anti-government demonstrations, which resulted in the deaths of several protesters.
In the interim, Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli was appointed Acting IG. Masengeli faced criticism for not adhering to court orders and had conflicts with the Judiciary, notably after withdrawing security from High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi.
Last week, Judge Mugambi sentenced Masengeli to six months in jail for not responding to multiple court summons regarding the disappearance of activist Bob Micheni Njagi and two brothers, Jamil and Aslam Longton, who were allegedly abducted by individuals believed to be police officers.