By Dorothy Musyoka
Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho has officially been sworn in as the Inspector General (IG) of the National Police Service (NPS) following his appointment by President William Ruto and a successful vetting process by both the Senate and the National Assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Supreme Court of Kenya on Thursday 9th September 2024, presided over by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Hon. Martha Koome.
The ceremony marked the beginning of his tenure as the head of the National Police Service, where he will oversee the administration and operation of law enforcement in the country.
Addressing Mr. Kanja and other dignitaries present, the CJ underscored that law enforcement does not operate in isolation but is a key component of the broader justice sector.
“The effectiveness of each justice sector Agency—whether it be the Judiciary, Prosecution, Correctional Services, or the Police—depends on the strength of inter-agency collaboration,” noted CJ Koome.
“The challenges we face in the justice sector can only be effectively tackled when we embrace a collaborative spirit. We must eliminate turf wars and silo mentalities that hinder the delivery of justice to the Kenyan people,” she added.
The President reminded the new Inspector General of the immense responsibility that comes with his position, emphasizing that the police, as the enforcers of law and order, must be the most ardent defenders of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“The new Inspector General of Police bears the immense responsibility of upholding the rule of law. The police, as the enforcers of law and order, must themselves be the most ardent defenders of constitutionalism and the rule of law,” said Hon. Koome.
The President further highlighted recent events that have shaken public confidence in the ability of institutions to respect the rule of law and uphold constitutional ideals.
“The rule of law is fragile and requires constant vigilance to preserve it. Any deviation from lawful conduct, especially by the security apparatus, risks leading us down the path of anarchy. We must guard against this by ensuring that law enforcement remains anchored in legality, accountability, and respect for human rights,” noted CJ. Koome.
Mr. Kanja’s appointment comes after a distinguished career as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kenya Police Service (KPS).
In his new role, IG Kanja is expected to lead the National Police Service in strengthening law enforcement, ensuring public safety, and fostering trust between the police and the community.