NAIROBI, Kenya– The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticized Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho for attending a political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, arguing that his actions compromise the integrity and neutrality of the National Police Service (NPS).
In a statement issued on Thursday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo accused the Inspector-General of engaging in political activity in violation of constitutional, statutory, and professional obligations.
“The Inspector-General has a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation. His presence and remarks at the rally not only raise serious institutional concerns but also risk ostracizing sections of the population who hold alternative political views,” Odhiambo stated.
The LSK outlined several legal breaches allegedly committed by the Inspector-General:
- Violation of Constitutional Independence: Under Article 245(1) of the Constitution, the Inspector-General must exercise independent command over the police and act impartially, free from political influence. LSK argued that his decision to attend the rally was a serious lapse in judgment.
- Contravention of National Police Service Act: Section 10(4) of the Act mandates that the Inspector-General uphold national values, including impartiality and equity.
- Breach of Leadership and Integrity Act: Section 23(2) and (3) prohibit state officers from engaging in political activities or publicly endorsing any political party or candidate. LSK accused Kanja of making politically suggestive remarks at the rally, in violation of this law.
- Defiance of Police Standing Orders: Clause 94 of Chapter 24 of the National Police Service Standing Orders bars officers from making statements that compromise their political neutrality.
The LSK has demanded an immediate public apology from the Inspector-General, urging him to refrain from engaging in any political mobilization or discourse in his official capacity.
“We urge Mr. Kanja to re-evaluate his priorities and focus on his constitutional duty rather than engaging in political sideshows,” the statement read.
Additionally, the LSK invited Kanja to step aside if he is unwilling to maintain political neutrality.
The LSK also criticized the Inspector-General’s silence on critical security issues, including rising cases of abductions.
“As things stand, the Inspector-General has failed or refused to report to Kenyans on who is abducting them and what action the police are taking. Instead, he has chosen political engagements over his core duty,” Odhiambo stated.
“From the onset, we must point out that the Inspector-General has a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation. We are apprehensive that the events in Nyeri yesterday amounted to a political gimmick, whose unintended effect may
