IG Japhet Koome Has Resigned
In a significant turn of events for Kenya’s political and security landscape, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has tendered his resignation, a move that comes in response to mounting public criticism and calls from opposition leaders over recent police actions during youth protests.
President William Ruto has accepted Koome’s resignation in a statement released to the media on July 12, 2024.
The President’s statement reads, “His Excellency President William Ruto, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has on this 12th day of July 2024, accepted the resignation of Japhet N. Koome as the Inspector General of the National Police Service.” This announcement follows intense public outcry against the police’s handling of the recent protests, which saw allegations of excessive force and brutality.
In a swift response to the IG’s resignation, President Ruto has appointed Douglas Kanja as the Acting Inspector General of Police. Kanja, who served as Koome’s Deputy throughout his tenure, will now lead the National Police Service on an interim basis. The statement from the President added, “In accordance with Section 16 of the National Police Service Act, the Head of State has designated Mr. Douglas Kanja CBS, the Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Service, as the Acting Inspector General of the National Police Service.”
This development coincides with President Ruto’s decision to dissolve his entire cabinet earlier in the day, a move that further amplifies the seismic shifts occurring within the Kenyan government. The resignation of the Inspector General and the dissolution of the cabinet mark a period of significant change and recalibration for the administration as it faces both internal and external pressures.
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