LSK Criticizes Inspector-General Over Participation In Political Rally

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called out Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, for attending a political rally led by President William Ruto in Kieni, Nyeri County, on Wednesday.

LSK President Faith Adhiambo expressed concern over Kanja’s involvement, stating that his participation and remarks at the rally raise serious institutional issues within the National Police Service.

“The participation and remarks of the Inspector-General raise serious institutional concerns for the National Police Service, as they were not only avoidable but also unwarranted,” Adhiambo said.

She emphasized that the Inspector-General is constitutionally obligated to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of their political affiliation.

“We are apprehensive that the events in Nyeri yesterday amounted to a political gimmick, which could unintentionally marginalize parts of the population that hold different political views from those expressed by Kanja through his presence and remarks at the rally,” she added. “Such a situation is untenable and constitutes an inexcusable violation of the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the Inspector-General.”

Adhiambo reminded Kanja that the oath of office he took binds him to uphold the Constitution, all Acts of Parliament, and regulations governing the National Police Service.

“The actions of Kanja directly conflict with the Constitution, statutes, and the National Police Service Standing Orders. By reducing the high office of Inspector-General to a tool for advancing political divisions, he has compromised the integrity and impartiality of the office,” she said.

She further pointed out that Kanja’s actions may expose him to the risk of removal from office, as they constitute a serious violation of the Constitution and other laws of Kenya, as outlined in Article 245(7).

Adhiambo also questioned Kanja’s priorities, noting that he had failed to address critical issues, such as the ongoing abductions in Kenya, which have yet to be adequately investigated.

“As things stand, the Inspector-General has failed to report to Kenyans on who is abducting them and what actions have been taken to bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said. “This raises concerns about his priorities, as he has chosen to join political rallies instead of focusing on the pressing issues that require his attention.”

LSK has called for an apology from Kanja, urging him to refrain from engaging in any political activities in his official capacity as Inspector-General.

“We demand that Mr. Kanja immediately withdraws from participating in political mobilization, rallies, and discourse,” Adhiambo concluded. “His work is too important to be distracted by such activities, and we urge him to focus on fulfilling his constitutional duties to the people of Kenya.”