The government found itself in a tight spot after Kenyans and civil organisations raised concern over the presence of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja at President William Ruto's tour in Central Kenya.
In a statement by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura on Friday, April 4, the government clarified that Ruto's tour was not political.
He added that the tour was a development tour, where the President had gone to interact with the electorate.
Therefore, the government reiterated that it did not see any violations by Kanja addressing some of the residents in Kieni, Nyeri County.
"The President is not on a campaign tour. He is meeting the citizens who voted him and getting first-hand information on how the government he heads is performing on the ground," read the statement in part.
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"The President is fully entitled to coverage by NPS, where the IG is the CEO. When the IG addressed his villagers, he talked about the President's visit, not about political parties or competitive politics."
However, the statement by Mwaura's office did not sit well with Kenyans, who expressed that the statement was a ridicule to their intelligence.
"I wish you knew that the folks you are trying to address are wise, intelligent and mature enough to differentiate black and white," Alirony Kwena responded on X.
Kanja has come under sharp criticism in recent days, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) demanding an apology from the IG. Without any apology, LSK opined that the police boss needed to resign.
"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," LSK noted.
"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."
