Meet Douglas Kanja Kirocho, the new acting Police IG

Following the abrupt resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Friday, President William Ruto has picked Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Douglas Kanja Kirocho as the acting police IG.

Kirocho, will hold the seat until the presidential nomination, Parliamentary approval and subsequent appointment of a new police IG.

Prior to his appointment, Kirocho, 60, served as the commandant of the General Service Unit since 2018. He was appointed DIG in April 2023. 

His extensive experience includes roles such as Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Commandant of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), and Director of Operations at the National Police Service (NPS).

Kirocho, a firearms specialist, has also served as the Police Service Chief Armourer.

Throughout his career, Kirocho has served in diverse regions across Kenya, including Nairobi, the Coast, Eastern, and Rift Valley regions.

In 2019, Kirocho applied unsuccessfully to succeed Joseph Boinnet as the IG upon his retirement. During the same year, he distinguished himself by leading GSU officers during the Dusit2 Hotel terror attack, earning widespread recognition for his leadership abilities.