The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has sharply criticized Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja for attending a political rally led by President William Ruto in Nyeri County. LSK President Faith Odhiambo, in a statement issued on Thursday, condemned Kanja’s participation, highlighting concerns that his actions compromised the impartiality of the National Police Service and violated constitutional principles.
Odhiambo argued that the IG’s attendance at the rally, along with his remarks, breached the neutrality expected of him as the head of a state institution. She pointed out that the National Police Service is constitutionally mandated to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation, and that Kanja’s participation in a political event was incompatible with his role. As a result, LSK demanded that Kanja offer a public apology and refrain from engaging in any further political activities in his official capacity.
The LSK President also referenced legal provisions, such as the National Police Service Act and the Leadership and Integrity Act, which prohibit state officers from participating in political activities. According to Odhiambo, Kanja’s presence at the rally and his comments amounted to a veiled endorsement of a political agenda, directly contravening the expectations of neutrality outlined in the Constitution.
Further criticizing Kanja, Odhiambo accused him of neglecting his primary responsibility of ensuring national security, particularly in the face of ongoing concerns about abductions. She expressed disappointment that the IG had failed to address these pressing issues while engaging in political mobilization instead.
In her statement, Odhiambo suggested that if Kanja was unwilling to uphold his constitutional duty of impartiality, he should consider stepping aside to make way for someone who would prioritize the rule of law above political interests. She also warned that his failure to act impartially could ultimately lead to his removal from office.
IG Kanja had accompanied President Ruto to the rally on Wednesday, a day after the President began his tour of the Mt. Kenya region. Despite LSK’s criticism, Kanja assured the public that the police service remains committed to maintaining law and order without bias.
