President William Ruto has commended Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli for his leadership while acting as the Inspector General of Police.
Speaking on Thursday, September 19, at State House, Nairobi, after he appointed Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General of Police, Ruto praised Masengeli for taking charge of the police service temporarily.
"I must commend the leadership of the National Police Service. The acting Inspector General who has been in charge of this service over the last few months and all the other officers who have supported the leadership of the police in making sure there is continuity and clarity on matters relating to the security of our country," President Ruto remarked.
At the same time, the Head of State declared that he had faith in the new Inspector General, maintaining that the police service was in safe hands.
President Ruto described Kanja as a seasoned leader, a disciplined police officer, and a dedicated Kenyan.
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"I want to tell the National Police Service that in Mr. Douglas Kanja, you have a seasoned leader, disciplined career police officer and a dedicated Kenyan. I have faith and I believe in the capabilities of Mr. Kanja to provide leadership to the men and women in the police service," the president stated.
The Head of State told the new Inspector General that he had the responsibility to protect the police from any manner of intimidation.
"You (Kanja) have the responsibility as the Commander to protect the NPS from any manner of manipulation, intimidation, or blackmail and to ensure that all of us respect the laws of the land without status or any form of entitlement. All of us are equal before the law," Ruto remarked.
President Ruto's remarks come amid a tiff between the police and the judiciary, which was occasioned by the failure of Masengeli to appear in court despite orders from the judge.
The differences between the two institutions widened after the security of Justice Lawrence Mugambi was withdrawn.
Justice Mugambi sentenced Masengeli to six months in prison for failing to honour court orders before the former acting IG appealed the judgement.
