Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen Backs IG Douglas Kanja, Dismisses “False Reports”
He accused unnamed individuals of trying to demean the office of the Inspector-General through propaganda and tribalism.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, saying he has full confidence in his leadership of the National Police Service.
Speaking on Friday at the 59th Passing-Out Parade at the Administration Police Training College in Embakasi, Nairobi, Murkomen said reports seeking to undermine the police chief were false and politically motivated.
“I have read false reports out there that try to demean the Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja. I have full faith in the leadership of the National Police Service. They are doing a fantastic job,” Murkomen said.
He accused unnamed individuals of trying to demean the office of the Inspector-General through propaganda and tribalism.
“There are people out there, tribalists and other propagandists, trying to demean his office. I have full faith, and I believe every act done within NPS is guided by the Constitution,” he said.
Murkomen said the National Police Service was operating independently under Article 245 of the Constitution, which establishes the Inspector-General as head of the service with independent command.
He said IG Kanja was independently handling operational matters including investigations, promotions and deployment of officers, while the Ministry of Interior was limited to policy direction.
The CS said his ministry does not interfere with operational decisions of the police and pledged continued support for Kanja and the NPS leadership.
His comments come amid ongoing public scrutiny over police conduct and the independence of the service from executive influence.
Addressing the new graduates, Murkomen urged them to exercise their authority responsibly, noting that police powers are derived from the Constitution and are meant for public service.
He said the government is implementing reforms recommended by the Maraga-led National Taskforce on Police Reforms to build a professional, well-equipped and people-centred service.
The reforms, he said, include modernization of equipment, integration of technology in security operations, improved welfare for officers through better medical cover and insurance, increased salaries, expansion of the housing programme and focus on mental health.
“We are focusing more on mental health, making sure medical facilities and insurance cover are improved, and also their basic salary has increased significantly,” Murkomen said.
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