New Police Bosses Lagat and Masengeli Summon Meeting of Top Officers in Nairobi

Newly appointed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat and his Administration Police Service counterpart, Gilbert Masengeli, have called a meeting of Regional Police Commanders in Nairobi. This series of meetings marks the inaugural talks for the new DIGs since their appointments.

Inaugural Meetings with Regional Commanders

Both Lagat and Masengeli are set to meet the Regional Police Commanders separately, with the aim of outlining their vision and strategies for their respective units. Masengeli will meet the officers on Tuesday, August 6, at the National Police Training Campus in Embakasi, where he will act as the Inspector General of Police. Insiders report that Masengeli’s agenda includes urging commanders to work with dedication towards the safety and security of the country. Additionally, discussions will cover the planned protests on Thursday, August 8, with plans in place to disperse the demonstrations.

Ongoing Search for New Inspector General

The appointment of a new Inspector General (IG) is still in progress, following the resignation of Japhet Koome on July 12. The new IG will succeed Koome and take over the leadership of the National Police Service at a time when Kenya is grappling with numerous challenges, including joblessness and rising crime rates.

Roles and Responsibilities of DIGs

The role of DIG-Kenya Police Service (KPS) involves commanding, controlling, and administering the Kenya Police Service under the direction of the IG. Meanwhile, the DIG-Administration Police Service (APS) is responsible for leading the Administration Police Service, also under the IG’s direction and control. Both DIGs are now tasked with implementing the Justice Maraga report on police reforms, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service.

Profile of Gilbert Masengeli – DIG APS

Dr. Gilbert Masengeli brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with a career spanning 35 years within the National Police Service. Skilled in counterterrorism operations, crisis management, strategic security leadership, fraud examination, combating cross-border crimes, countering violent extremism, and explosive incident countermeasures, Masengeli has a diverse and impressive background.

Masengeli joined the NPS in 1989 and has held various significant positions over the years. Before being appointed as DIG APS, he served as the Commandant of the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus. From 2017 to 2024, he was the Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Group APS, Border Police Unit (BPU), where he provided leadership, planning, and coordination of multi-agency special security operations. His educational background includes a PhD in International Relations from the United States International University (USIU).

Profile of Eliud Lagat – DIG KPS

Eliud Lagat, the new DIG KPS, holds a Master’s Degree in Armed Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Technology in Automotive from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. He joined the NPS in 1998 and trained at the Kenya Police College in Kiganjo.

Lagat’s career includes roles as an Inspector of Police attached to Bomb Disposal, a forensic investigator, and Deputy Head of the Crime Scene Support Unit at DCI Headquarters. In 2020, he was named Deputy Director of the DCI Reforms Section and later became the Director of the Investigations Bureau. His extensive experience in various capacities within the police service has prepared him for his current role as DIG KPS.

Challenges and Expectations

As Lagat and Masengeli step into their new roles, they face the daunting task of addressing the multifaceted challenges within Kenya’s security landscape. Their leadership and strategic vision will be crucial in navigating these challenges and implementing necessary reforms to ensure the safety and security of the nation. The upcoming meetings with Regional Police Commanders in Nairobi will set the tone for their tenure and outline their approach to achieving these goals.