In a significant shake-up within Kenya’s National Police Service, Japhet Koome has resigned as the Inspector General of Police. This development comes in the wake of mounting pressure and public outcry over police brutality during recent protests against the finance bill.
Presidential Announcement
President William Ruto officially accepted Koome’s resignation on July 12, 2024. The announcement was made through a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed. The statement read:
“His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has on this 12th day of July, 2024, accepted the resignation of Eng. Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as the Inspector General of the National Police Service.”
Interim Leadership
In the interim, President Ruto has appointed Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kanja to take over as Acting Inspector General. This decision aims to ensure continuity and stability within the police force during this transitional period.
Redeployment and New Appointments
In a broader reshuffle, President Ruto has also ordered the redeployment of Noor Gabow, previously serving as Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police. Eliud Langat has been named Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, while James Kamau assumes the role of Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.
Moreover, the President appointed Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the Commissioner General of Prisons, replacing Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, who is proceeding on terminal leave pending the end of his tenure.
Changes in Police Unit Leadership
The shake-up extends to the heads of various police units within the National Police Service. The new appointments are as follows:
- Ranson Lolmodooni – Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU)
- Gilbert Masengeli – Commandant of the Administration Police Training College (APTC)
- William Yiampoy – Director of Operations, Police Headquarters
- Kainga Mathiu – Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA), Ngong
Background of Resignation
Japhet Koome’s resignation is largely attributed to the increasing scrutiny and criticism over the handling of recent anti-finance bill protests. The protests were marked by allegations of excessive use of force and police brutality, leading to widespread condemnation from civil society groups, human rights organizations, and the general public.
Public and Political Reactions
Koome’s resignation has elicited mixed reactions from various quarters. Some view it as a necessary step towards accountability and reform within the police service, while others express concern over the stability and morale of the police force amid such high-level changes.
Civil society organizations have welcomed the resignation, viewing it as a victory for the rule of law and human rights. They have called for further investigations into the allegations of police misconduct and for systemic reforms to prevent future occurrences.
On the political front, opposition leaders have seized the moment to criticize the government’s handling of the protests and the broader issue of police reform. They have called for a comprehensive review of the National Police Service to address the underlying issues of accountability, training, and community relations.
Future Directions
As Douglas Kanja steps in as the Acting Inspector General, he faces the daunting task of restoring public trust in the police force. His immediate priorities will likely include addressing the concerns raised during the protests, ensuring justice for any victims of police brutality, and implementing reforms to improve the overall conduct and professionalism of the police service.
The new appointments within the police units signal a commitment to revitalizing the leadership and operational effectiveness of the National Police Service. With new leaders at the helm, there is a renewed opportunity to address longstanding issues and chart a course towards a more accountable and community-focused policing model.
The resignation of Japhet Koome as Inspector General of Police marks a pivotal moment for Kenya’s National Police Service. As the country navigates this transition, the actions and decisions taken by the new leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of policing in Kenya. The focus now shifts to rebuilding public confidence, enhancing police accountability, and ensuring that the police force serves and protects all citizens with integrity and respect for human rights.
