Acting IG Masengeli takes over new role with a promise to abide by the law

Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police Mr Gilbert Masengeli will take over as Acting Inspector General of Police pending the vetting and approval of Douglas Kanja by parliament.

Kanja has been serving in that position in acting capacity since July 12, following the resignation of former IG Japhet Koome.

Last week, on Thursday, President William Ruto nominated him as Koome's substantive successor, setting the stage for his vetting and approval by parliament.

While nominating him, the President further appointed Mr Eliud Lagat as Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Kenya Police and Mr Gilbert Masengeli as Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police, both of whom were consequently sworn into office the following day.

Masengeli takes over his new role at a critical time when the country is facing turmoil following increased calls for government accountability for ills committed by its senior officials, including officers from the National Police Service who have been accused of exerting brutal force against anti-government protesters, further damaging the relationship between the police and members of the public.

"I want to pledge to work within the rule of law and as per the constitution. I am ready to guide the officers to ensure the public gets the desired services since security is our priority and the safety of everyone is our responsibility. The common Mwananchi, the Wanjiku, should not only feel safe but be safe, at all costs, we have no otherwise," said DIG Masengeli on Monday as he took over his new office at the Administration Police Headquarters, Jogoo House.

Masengeli pledged to adopt a multi-agency approach to his managing security in the country.

"Our strength is teamwork and multi-agency approach. We will work with other security agencies to ensure we excess and provide the peace that is supposed to be as per the constitution," he said.

The officer who boasts of a career spanning over three decades at the service is skilled in counterterrorism operations, cross-border crimes and leadership, having previously served as the Commandant of the National Police College (Embakasi A campus) before his promotion to DIG.

Masengeli has also served as the Commanding officer of the Special Operations Group, an elite counter-terrorism unit of the Administration Police that has been credited with foiling multiple terror attacks in the country.

He also ranks amongst officers decorated with the Purple Star of Kenya award, which recognises officers who have suffered injuries in battle amongst others.