KENYA, April 4 : The government found itself in a tight spot after Kenyans and civil organisations raised concern over the presence of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja at President William Ruto's tour in Central Kenya.
Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, in a stament on Friday, clarified that Ruto's tour was not political but a development tour.
Therefore, the government reiterated that it did not see any violations by Kanja addressing some of the residents in Kieni, Nyeri County.
"The President is fully entitled to coverage by NPS, where the IG is the CEO. When the IG addressed his villagers, he talked about the President's visit, not about political parties or competitive politics." Read the statement In part.
Kanja has come under sharp criticism in recent days, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) demanding an apology from the IG. Without any apology, LSK opined that the police boss needed to resign.
"We equally demand that Mr. Kanja forthwith withdraws and restrains from engaging in any political mobilization, rallies and/or discourse, especially in his official capacity as the Inspector-General of Police," LSK noted.
"We believe that the Inspector-General's work is cut out for him and is too demanding to allow such unpalatable sideshows, lapses in judgement, and misplaced priorities. We urge Mr. Kanja to re-evaluate his tasks and do that which is required of him by the law and the people of Kenya."
Meanwhile, While in the company of Kanja in Tharaka Nithi County on Friday, April 4, President Ruto expressed that his tours were enshrined in the constitution as the government needed to engage with Kenyans.
"IG (Kanja), I want to say that we will continue to work with the men in uniform to make sure that we secure the country and for the development of our country." He noted.
On the other hand, he also wondered why the IG was being singled out, yet other police officers also attended his meetings.
"When the IG is not there, there are so many officers who represent him in those meetings, and there is no difference. They do not come to do politics," Ruto stated.
" I do not know what difference there is in the meeting where I was in Nyeri. There were 300 police officers. Why do you single out the IG?" He Quiped.
The National Police Service (NPS) also responded after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) accused the Inspector General of Police of engaging in political activities.
In its statement on Thursday, April 3, NPS termed the claims as misleading, insisting that the IG would not engage in activities that undermine the neutrality of his office.
“NPS categorically refutes these claims and reaffirms the IG’s unwavering commitment to constitutional impartiality in serving all Kenyans, devoid of political bias. At no time has the IG engaged in activities that could undermine the neutrality of his office,” the statement read.
According to the NPS, Kanja’s presence in Nyeri was for official duties, particularly overseeing security arrangements during the President’s development tour.
“The IG's presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including oversight of security arrangements during the President's development tour, a core mandate of the NPS under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011 and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8.
"The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General of Police,” the statement added.
