IG NPS, Kanja Urged to Step Aside

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised concerns over the attendance of Inspector General of the National Police Service (IG-NPS), Mr. Douglas Kanja, at a political rally led by the President in Kieni, Nyeri County, yesterday.

In a statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo asserted that the Constitution does not permit security officials to participate in political rallies. “Mr. Douglas Kanja has broken the law and is in conflict with his oath of office,” she stated.

Odhiambo emphasized that national security is a fundamental pillar of Kenya’s sovereignty and that all security organs must adhere to constitutional principles. She reiterated that the involvement of the IG in political events is unconstitutional and called on Kanja to step aside. LSK urged that the role be occupied by someone committed to serving all Kenyans without political bias.

In response, the Office of the Inspector General issued a press statement defending Kanja’s presence at the event. The statement clarified that his attendance was strictly in line with his official duties, including overseeing security arrangements during the President’s development tour. It cited Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011, which mandates the IG to ensure security during presidential functions.