IG Kanja defends presence at Ruto’s Nyeri rally, dismisses LSK’s claims

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has dismissed allegations by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that he attended a political rally led by President William Ruto in Kieni, Nyeri County, terming the claims as misleading and baseless.

The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement released on Thursday through Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, refuted the LSK’s assertions, emphasizing that the IG’s presence in Nyeri was solely for official duties.

According to the statement, Kanja was overseeing security arrangements during the President’s development tour - a role mandated under the National Police Service Act.

“The 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,” stated Nyaga in the statement.

The NPS also maintained that the IG’s engagements in Nyeri were in line with his broader operational tour, which included impromptu inspections of police stations, reviewing officers’ welfare, and reaffirming the police reform agenda.

“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,” Nyaga added.

“Since mid-March 2025 the Inspector General of Police has been on an operational tour across Baringo, Samburu, Kirinyaga,Nyeri, Laikipia, and Meru Counties, focusing on, impromptu inspections of police stations, welfare, mental health, financial prudence for officers, encouraging the enhancement of ICT skills to align with the digitization of police services, reaffirming the Reform Agenda, and the success of Operation Maliza Uhalifu in the North Rift.”

The LSK had earlier raised concerns over the IG’s presence and remarks at the event, accusing him of violating constitutional provisions that require his office to remain politically neutral.

In a strongly worded statement, the lawyers' body President Faith Odhiambo accused Kanja of political puppetry, arguing that his involvement in the event could be seen as an endorsement of a political agenda.

According to Ms. Odhiambo, IG Kanja’s presence and remarks at the Kieni rally 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.

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.”