IG Douglas Kanja urges court not to issue orders over political activity claims
The petitioners claim that IG Kanja undermined police independence by appearing at a presidential rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, on April 2, 2025, where he made statements they describe as political.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has asked the High Court not to issue any orders against him or Cabinet Secretaries over claims of taking part in political activities.
Through his lawyer, Paul Nyamodi, Kanja argued that the orders being sought by the petitioners were final and could not be granted at this stage of the proceedings.
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Kanja’s stand became the centre of the hearing as the court was informed that none of the Cabinet Secretaries listed in the case had responded.
The matter was mentioned before Judge Bahati Mwanyule, with petitioners insisting that the silence from the CSs only heightened their concerns.
The petition was filed by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Deputy President Mwaura Kabata and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who accuse Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku of openly campaigning for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Muriuki in the Mbeere North mini-poll.
They claim this is part of a wider pattern of political engagement by senior officials.
Mwaura told the court that their worry was grounded in ongoing violations of constitutional requirements.
“The constitutional rights we intend to protect are continuing to be violated. Members of public offices are continuing to use those offices in furtherance of political interests,” he said.
Their lawyer, Abna Mango, added that they fear state officers are using government resources and official platforms to promote allies of President Ruto ahead of the upcoming mini-polls and the 2027 general election.
“What we are witnessing is a dangerous collision between public duty and private political interest,” the court heard.
Videoclips attached to the case show several Cabinet Secretaries attending rallies in Malava, Bondo, Garsen and Turkana, where they pledged loyalty to President Ruto and declared their support for UDA candidates in next week’s mini-polls.
The petition names Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, all Cabinet Secretaries and IG Kanja as respondents.
The Council of Governors, LSK and Katiba Institute have joined the case as interested parties.
The petitioners also claim that IG Kanja undermined police independence by appearing at a presidential rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, on April 2, 2025, where he made statements they describe as political.
They argue that such involvement crosses a constitutional “red line”, especially for officers meant to remain neutral.
According to the petition, the conduct of the officials violates Section 23 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, which bars state officers from engaging in political actions that compromise their impartiality.
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