On Wednesday, MPs unanimously approved the nomination of Douglas Kanja, the former Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police, as the next police chief.
The National Assembly’s endorsement follows the Senate’s approval of Kanja as the fifth Inspector General of Police under the 2010 Constitution. With Parliament’s approval finalized, President William Ruto is expected to formally appoint Kanja via a gazette notice.
Kanja steps into the role at a challenging time, as acting IG Gilbert Masengeli faces a six-month jail sentence for contempt of court. The police service is also under scrutiny for forced disappearances and abductions of individuals perceived as critical of the government.
During the debate on the joint report, MPs highlighted Kanja’s extensive experience within the police force as a key asset for transforming the service. Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, while supporting Kanja’s nomination, urged him to demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law.
“This nominee is stepping in at a critical time when the police service is under scrutiny for various reasons, particularly regarding impunity,” Otiende said, referencing the acting IG’s disregard for court orders and ongoing issues of unexplained disappearances.
Deputy Minority Leader Owen Baya praised Kanja’s qualifications, emphasizing the need for him to combat corruption within the police force. “He must address the corruption at Vigilance House and within the police service,” Baya stated.
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed encouraged Kanja to serve all Kenyans impartially and to avoid using the police for political agendas. “While I’m not fully satisfied, I believe we should give him a chance,” Junet said.
The MPs also defended Kanja against concerns regarding his age, which slightly exceeds the mandatory retirement age of 60. Majority Whip Silvanos Osoro dismissed these concerns, arguing that the retirement age applies only to public servants, not to state officers like the Inspector General. “At nearly 61, his age is not a relevant factor for the IG position,” Osoro asserted.
Kanja, a career police officer with nearly four decades of experience, has risen steadily through the ranks since beginning his law enforcement career in 1985. Before this nomination, he served as the commandant of the General Service Unit since 2018 and was appointed Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service in April 2023.
President Ruto nominated Kanja for the Inspector General position on July 25, after the resignation of Japhet Koome. Following the nomination, Kanja briefly served as acting IG until Masengeli took over as the acting IGP. If confirmed by Parliament, Kanja will succeed Koome and lead Kenya’s police service.
