Outrage as Police IG Kanja speaks at Ruto's political rally, LSK terms it unconstitutional
The controversy arose after Kanja, dressed in official police regalia, was seen addressing a crowd during a political rally led by President William Ruto on Tuesday.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for attending and addressing a political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, terming it a violation of the Constitution and a lapse in judgment.
LSK has now demanded that Kanja issues an immediate public apology or resign.
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The controversy arose after Kanja, dressed in official police regalia, was seen addressing a crowd during a political rally led by President William Ruto on Tuesday.
The event was broadcast live on Ruto’s official Facebook page and the State House Kenya’s official YouTube channel, drawing sharp criticism over the National Police Service’s (NPS) constitutional requirement to remain independent and apolitical.
“Are you happy to see our President here? Are you grateful? Do you want him to come back again? We are still doing our work,” Kanja said in Kikuyu, while addressing the crowd.
In a statement on Thursday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the Inspector General’s actions compromised the neutrality of the NPS and violated key constitutional provisions.
“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,” Odhiambo said.
LSK cited several legal provisions that Kanja’s actions allegedly breached, including Article 245(1) of the Constitution, which mandates the IG to exercise independent command over the NPS without undue influence.
Section 10(4) of the National Police Service Act, which obligates the IG to uphold the national values of impartiality and equity.
Section 23(2) and (3) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, which prohibit state officers from engaging in political activities or publicly expressing support for any political party or candidate.
Clause 94 of Chapter 24 of the NPS Standing Orders, which bars police officers from making statements that could compromise their political neutrality.
Odhiambo further accused Kanja of failing to address pressing security issues, including cases of abductions, while instead choosing to participate in political events.
“The extent of this apparent contempt for the rule of law is exacerbated by the reality of Kenya’s dire and otherwise laissez-faire security situation. The Inspector General has failed and/or refused to report to Kenyans on who is abducting Kenyans and what action the NPS has taken to bring the perpetrators to book,” she said.
The LSK has now demanded an immediate apology from Kanja and urged him to refrain from engaging in political activities in his official capacity.
“In the alternative, we invite Mr Kanja to step aside from the position of Inspector General and allow the role to be occupied by an individual willing to serve all Kenyans without imposing their political biases,” Odhiambo said.
The incident has sparked fresh debate over the independence of the police service, with critics arguing that Kanja’s actions set a dangerous precedent for law enforcement in Kenya.
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