KIGALI, Rwanda- Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Tuesday joined regional security chiefs and senior government officials in Kigali for the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Day celebrations marking 25 years since the establishment of the law enforcement agency.
Kanja attended the event following an invitation from Rwanda National Police Inspector General CG Felix Namuhoranye and the Government of Rwanda.
The colourful celebrations brought together police chiefs from across Africa and showcased Rwanda’s evolving policing capabilities, strategic preparedness and modern law enforcement systems in a rapidly changing security environment.
The Rwanda National Police was established in 2000 following the merger of the National Gendarmerie, the Communal Police and the Judicial Police into a single national policing institution.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the commissioning of 436 officer cadets by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, who presided over the event in Kigali.
The newly commissioned cadets are expected to strengthen Rwanda’s future policing capacity and support regional efforts in combating emerging security threats.
Inspector General Kanja was among 13 police chiefs invited from different countries, underlining growing regional cooperation in matters of security, counter-terrorism and cross-border crime management.
The celebrations also featured military-style parades, exhibitions and demonstrations aimed at highlighting the Rwanda National Police’s transformation over the last two decades.
Accompanying Kanja were Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons Director Adamson Bungei, Director of Training Hassan Aljir, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, RECSA Director of Administration and Finance Dr Eunice A.J. Dobby, Personal Assistant to the IG James Murithi and Peter Thuku from the NPS Legal Directorate.
The event comes at a time when East African countries are intensifying regional security collaboration amid rising concerns over terrorism, transnational crime and instability in parts of the Great Lakes region.
