Okiya Omtatah files petition to remove Police IG Douglas Kanja from office
Busia Senator and Activist Okiya Omtatah on Wednesday moved to court to challenge the appointment of Douglas Kanja as the new (IG) Inspector General of Police
Busia Senator and Activist Okiya Omtatah on Wednesday moved to court to challenge the appointment of Douglas Kanja as the new (IG) Inspector General of Police.
In the petition, the Senator avers that Kanja’s appointment contravenes the Constitution since he believes the new IG was handpicked with the appointment not being subjected to a competitive process.
IG Kanja’s appointment was approved a week ago by the National Assembly. He would later be sworn in by Chief Justice Martha Koome and subsequently, installed into office by President William Ruto.
The High Court of Kenya has since certified the petition filed by Omtatah as urgent.
Besides the issue of competitive recruitment, several other issues are hanging over Kanja’s head including atrocities meted on demonstrators during his stint as Acting Inspector General.
The Inspector General is also battling with the critical question on how to address the issue of police reforms which President William Ruto is on record stating will require Ksh106 billion in funding.
Kanja’s appointment was confirmed after the relevant committees at the Senate and the National Assembly gave the greenlight after most MPs agreed that his track record makes him the most qualified person to hold the position.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula said that the house had considered the reports tabled by all the relevant committees involved in the process.
Gachagua sends Cate Waruguru a message after fiery outburst on President Ruto
Insider responds to reports of Gachagua meeting Uhuru Kenyatta amid impeachment plot
KMPDU issues strong statement after the death of a medical intern student
MPs declare war on the Judiciary over NG-CDF ruling
NTSA impounds school vehicles, lists requirements for transportation of students
”Taking into consideration the findings of the joint committees of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Affairs and the Senate standing committee on Defence and Foreign Relations in its report on the vetting of Douglas Kanja Kirocho for approval as the Inspector General of the National Police Service. This house approves the appointment of Douglas Kanja Kirocho as the Inspector General of the National Police Service,’’ Wetangula stated.
The Inspector General of Police position has been riddled with several controversies since it was declared vacant on July 12 after then IG Japhet Koome tendered his resignation. Koome had been accused of presiding over the brutalization of Gen Z protestors, the abduction of activists and the murders of tens of protestors.
President William Ruto would later nominate Kanja as Acting IG, however pending his approval, the Head of State designated Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli to hold fort in interim capacity. However, his assignment would prove controversial although short-lived.
In the two months that he served as IG, Masengeli defied 7 court orders leading to his conviction after the court found him guilty of contempt of court. Justice Lawrence Mugambi sentenced him to six months in prison although, he would later set him free after the police boss apologised for his actions in court.
Also read,
Why I allowed Starlink to operate in Kenya; Ruto
Government to introduce mental wellness programs after death of intern doctor Desree Moraa
51,000 university students risk missing exams in the new funding model
New details emerge on medical intern student found dead
Elon Musk comments on the entry of Starlink in Kenya
High Court declares Privatisation Act 2023 unconstitutional, Rules KICC not for sale
Follow us
