The National Police Service (NPS) has responded after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of engaging in political activities.
The LSK made the accusations after Kanja attended President William Ruto's event in Kieni, Nyeri County on Tuesday, April 1.
However, in its statement on Thursday, April 3, NPS termed the claims as misleading, insisting that the IG would not engage in activities that undermine the neutrality of his office.
“NPS categorically refutes these claims and reaffirms the IG’s unwavering commitment to constitutional impartiality in serving all Kenyans, devoid of political bias. At no time has the IG engaged in activities that could undermine the neutrality of his office,” the statement read.
According to the NPS, Kanja’s presence in Nyeri was for official duties, particularly overseeing security arrangements during the President’s development tour.
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“The IG's presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including oversight of security arrangements during the President's development tour, a core mandate of the NPS under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011 and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8.
"The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General of Police,” the statement added.
Earlier Thursday, LSK demanded that Kanja apologize for attending Ruto's event, noting that the IG was expected to be impartial and serve all Kenyans regardless of their political views.
"In the circumstances, the Law Society of Kenya demands an immediate public apology by the Inspector-General for his conduct yesterday, which is unbecoming of the position he holds.
"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 on the people of Kenya," LSK President Faith Odhiambo noted in her statement.
LSK called on the IG to refrain from engaging in other political activities and focus on issues of insecurity in the country.
In particular, the society expressed that the IG needed to focus on investigating the orchestrators of the recent abductions.
"We equally demand that Mr. Kanja forthwith withdraws and restrains from engaging in any political mobilization, rallies and/or discourse, especially in his official capacity as the Inspector-General of Police.
"We believe that the Inspector-General's work is cut out for him and is too demanding to allow such unpalatable sideshows, lapses in judgement, and misplaced priorities. We urge Mr. Kanja to re-evaluate his tasks and do that which is required of him by the law and the people of Kenya," read the statement in part.
