'Apologise or resign!' LSK slams IG Kanja for attending President Ruto’s Nyeri rally

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for attending a political rally led by President William Ruto in Nyeri County.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo, in a statement on Thursday, expressed concerns over Kanja’s presence and remarks at the Kieni rally, arguing that his participation compromised the impartiality of the National Police Service, thereby violating constitutional principles.

Ms. Odhiambo hence demanded that the police boss withdraws from all political engagements and tender an immediate public apology for what she termed a violation of the Constitution and police service regulations.

“The Inspector-General has a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation. His presence at a political event and the remarks he made raise serious institutional concerns,” the LSK boss stated.

“We demand an immediate public apology by the Inspector General for his conduct, which is unbecoming of the position he holds. We equally demand that he refrains from engaging in any political mobilization, rallies, and discourse in his official capacity.”

Citing the National Police Service Act and the Leadership and Integrity Act, Ms. Odhiambo argued that Kanja’s actions directly contravened provisions that prohibit State officers from engaging in political activities.

She pointed out several legal breaches, emphasizing that the IG’s office is independent and should not be used to advance political interests.

“Section 23(3) of the Leadership and Integrity Act enjoins State officers from publicly indicating support for or opposition against any political party or candidate. His remarks at the rally amounted to a veiled endorsement of a political agenda,” noted the lawyer’s body President.

“For all intents and purposes, the Inspector-General is constitutionally required to act impartially. His decision to attend and address a political rally was a lapse in judgment made of his own volition, for which he must bear the full consequences of the law.”

Ms. Odhiambo further accused the IG of misplaced priorities, highlighting concerns over the state of national security and unresolved cases of abductions.

She appealed to Kanja to focus on his constitutional mandate, warning that failure to uphold neutrality could warrant his removal from office.

“The Inspector-General has failed to report to Kenyans who is behind the abductions and what action the National Police Service has taken. Instead, he has chosen to engage in political mobilization,” she said.

“If the Inspector-General is unwilling to serve all Kenyans impartially, we invite him to step aside and allow the role to be occupied by an individual who will uphold the rule of law without imposing political biases on the people of Kenya.”

IG Kanja accompanied President Ruto on Wednesday to a road rally in Nyeri, a day after the Head of State kicked off his week-long tour of Mt, Kenya region.

In a roadside event, Kanja addressed the masses, assuring Kenyans that the police service remains committed to upholding law and order without fear or favor.