IG Kanja Defends Presence at Ruto’s Nyeri Rally, Dismisses LSK Claims

• Apr 03, 2025

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome Kanja has defended his presence at President William Ruto’s rally in Nyeri, dismissing claims by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that his attendance was inappropriate. The LSK had raised concerns about the IG's involvement in what they described as a political event.

IG Kanja: Security Oversight is My Mandate

In response to the criticism, the National Police Service (NPS) defended Kanja’s role, stating that his presence was strictly in line with his official duties. NPS spokesperson Resila Nyaga explained that overseeing security during the President’s tour is a key responsibility of the police service.

“The IG’s presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including oversight of security arrangements during the President’s development tour, a core mandate of the NPS under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011, and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8,” Nyaga said.

She further clarified that the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally mandated to protect the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General.

LSK’s Concerns Over Police Independence

The LSK had questioned why the Inspector General was personally attending a political event, arguing that such actions could compromise the independence of the police service. According to the society, the IG should maintain neutrality and avoid appearing to align with any political side.

However, the NPS dismissed these concerns, asserting that ensuring the President’s security does not mean the police service is engaging in politics. The spokesperson emphasized that law enforcement officials must always be present during high-profile public events, particularly those involving the Head of State.

The Role of Police in Political Events

The debate over police neutrality has been ongoing, with critics arguing that top police officials should avoid political gatherings to maintain public trust. However, the NPS maintains that providing security for government functions, including presidential tours, is part of its constitutional duty.

Despite the controversy, IG Kanja has not personally responded to the LSK’s claims. Instead, the police service continues to insist that his presence in Nyeri was solely for security reasons and not political involvement.