Names of 3 DIG candidates to be forwarded to Ruto for appointment

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) will forward the names of three suitable candidates for each of the two positions of Deputy Inspector General of Police to President Wiliam Ruto for appointment later this week. 

NPSC, today, conducted day-long interviews on eight shortlisted candidates at the Kenya School of Government. 

The two final appointees will be in charge of the Kenya Police and the Administration Police. 

According to the law, the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service must be headed by a Deputy Inspector-General appointed by the President in accordance with the recommendation of the NPSC.

"The law requires that immediately the appointing authority declares that there are changes in that office. My office is mandated by the law to exactly take 14 days and give a report to the appointing authority on a suitable candidate that we will be recommending for substantive appointment to this position," NPSC Chairman Eliud Kinuthia said.

The commission announced the seats as vacant on July 13 after which a total of 38 applications were received for both positions.

President William Ruto inspects a guard of honour during a past Administration Police passing-out parade in Embakasi, Nairobi County. (Photo: PCS)

21 applicants expressed interest for the position of Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service while 13 applicants sought to fill the position of Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Service.

The commission disclosed that four other applicants did not specify their position of interest. 

NPSC then assessed the applicants' submissions against information relating to the candidates as shared by members of the public and shortlisted eight for both positions.

The Monday interviews saw the candidates for the DIG, KPS role that is acting DIG, KPS Eliud Kipkoech Lagat, George Adero Sedah, Tom Mboya Odero and Dr Vincent Makoha interviewed first followed by an afternoon to evening session for the position of DIG, APS.

Those who faced the panel for the position included acting DIG, APS James Mukuha Kamau, Margaret Nyambura Karanja, Dr Masoud Mwinyi and Gilbert Masengeli.

It is expected that the successful candidates will be named later this week alongside the substantive Inspector General of Police.

The interview panellists comprised of members of the commission including Acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohamed.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin during a press briefing at the DCI Headquarters on July 15, 2024. (Photo: Mary Wambui)