The Law Society of Kenya expressed serious concerns regarding the attendance of the Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, at a political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, which was led by the President of Kenya William Samoei Ruto. They stated that his participation and remarks raised significant institutional concerns for the National Police Service, calling them both avoidable and unwarranted.
The Society emphasized that the Inspector-General was constitutionally obligated to serve all Kenyans impartially, irrespective of political affiliation. They feared that his involvement in the rally could alienate sections of the population with differing political views and regarded the situation as an inexcusable violation of constitutional mandates.
They reminded Mr. Douglas Kanja that his oath of office required him to adhere to the Constitution, Acts of Parliament, and regulations governing the National Police Service. They highlighted legal provisions they believed he had violated, including Article 245(1) of the Constitution, which mandates the Inspector-General to exercise independent command over the police service with impartiality. The Society argued that his attendance at the rally was a lapse in judgment and that he should be held accountable.
Additionally, they cited Section 10(4) of the National Police Service Act, which requires the Inspector-General to uphold national values and principles, and Section 23(2) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, which prohibits state officers from engaging in political activities that compromise their neutrality. They also referenced Clause 94 of Chapter 24 of the National Police Service Standing Orders, which prohibits police officers from making politically charged statements. They contended that Mr. Kanja’s remarks at the rally indicated a veiled endorsement of the political agenda being promoted.
The Law Society of Kenya concluded that Mr. Kanja’s actions directly conflicted with constitutional and statutory provisions, compromising the integrity of the office. They asserted that his actions exposed him to the risk of removal, as stipulated in Article 245(7) of the Constitution. Furthermore, they criticized him for prioritizing political involvement over addressing pressing security issues, such as rising cases of abductions.
In response to these concerns, the Society demanded a public apology from Mr. Kanja, asserting that his conduct was unbecoming of his office. They also called for his immediate withdrawal from political engagements and urged him to refocus on his core duties. As an alternative, they suggested that he step down to allow someone committed to serving all Kenyans impartially to take over the role.
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NPS Responds to Law Society of Kenya: Inspector-General’s Nyeri Visit Was Official, Not Political
The National Police Service (NPS) of Kenya has issued a press statement addressing concerns over a report that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, attended a political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County. According to the statement released by Muchiri Nyaga, the Director of Corporate Communication and Spokesperson for the NPS on April 3, 2025, the service categorically refuted the claims and reaffirmed the Inspector General’s unwavering commitment to constitutional impartiality in serving all Kenyans, devoid of political bias.
The NPS clarified that the Inspector General’s presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, which included overseeing the security arrangements during the President’s development tour, as mandated by the National Police Service under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011, and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8. The statement further explained that the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General of Police.
The NPS also highlighted that since mid-March 2025, the Inspector General has been on an operational tour across several counties, including Baringo, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Meru. During these visits, he focused on inspecting police stations, assessing welfare, mental health, and financial prudence for officers, encouraging the enhancement of ICT skills, engaging in the digitization of police services, reaffirming the Reform Agenda, and overseeing the success of Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift.
Additionally, the statement noted that earlier in Baringo and Kirimon (Laikipia), the Inspector General assessed progress in Loruk, where officers were commended for restoring security in bandit-prone areas. The NPS urged the public to disregard what they described as misleading assertions, emphasizing their commitment to remaining apolitical and dedicated to maintaining law and order.