The National Assembly has approved the appointment of former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Kenya Police, Douglas Kanja, as the new Inspector General (IG).
In a sitting on September 18, chaired by Speaker Moses Wetangula, MPs approved Kanja to be the next IG, taking over from Japhet Koome.
This was the last stage of the approval process after Senators unanimously endorsed Kanja’s nomination to become the next top cop.
Kanja becomes the 16th police boss since independence and the 6th IG under the new Constitution.
Narok West Member of Parliament (MP) Gabriel Ole Tong’oyo moved a special motion for Kanja’s appointment as the IG. Tong’oyo said the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Registrar of Political Parties, and the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) cleared Kanja.
“On the issue of academic qualifications, which is a legal requirement, the nominee holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce, finance option, from Inoorero University, awarded in 2014, and a diploma in business management acquired in 2009. The nominee’s degree was validated and authenticated by the Commission for University Education following a request by the nominee,” he said.
The MP noted that Kanja had led critical operations, including the response team during the Dusit attack in 2019 and Operation Fagia Msitu in Boni Forest.
He also mentioned that Kanja holds several awards for his service in the National Police Service (NPS) and commended his tenure as the acting IG.
Tong’oyo said the Committee was shocked that Kanja’s net worth was Ksh 46 million despite having served in higher ranks in a corrupt police service.
He stated that Kanja would be able to tackle corruption, restore dignity to the NPS, and advance the country’s security.
Also Read: Douglas Kanja: Profile of Ex-GSU Boss Picked as Acting Inspector General
Senate Approves Nomination
A joint committee of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Internal Security and the Senate Standing Committee on Defence approved Kanja’s appointment as IG.
The Senate approved Kanja’s nomination on August 20, following a recommendation by the Joint Parliamentary Security Committee.
In their reports, the joint committee highlighted Kanja’s suitability and competence for the role of IG of Police.
“The Committees, having considered the suitability, competence, experience, and integrity of Douglas Kanja Kirocho, and in accordance with the National Assembly Standing Orders and the Senate Standing Orders, recommend that Parliament approve his nomination for appointment as Inspector General of the National Police Service,” the statement read in part.
Also Read: Where Are They Now: Former Police Bosses
MPs Back Douglas Kanja Nomination
Among the MPs who supported Kanja’s nomination during the debate were Saku MP Raso Dido Ali, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Joseph Mburu (MP for Lari), and Buuri MP Rindikiri Mugambi.
“From all the reports, this nominee is without blemish in his 39 years of service. That is not easy for a policeman and someone who has served as a DIG and Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU),” Otiende said.
However, Otiende noted that Kanja assumes office at a time when Acting IG Gilbert Masengeli is showing impunity by disobeying court orders, with incidents of unexplained disappearances and excessive use of force by the police.
President William Ruto nominated Kanja as IG in July following the resignation of Koome.
Kanja has served for thirty-nine years in the NPS. He started working as a constable in 1985 and rose through the ranks to become the DIG.
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