Police Deny IG’s Attendance at Political Rally, Say He Was on Official Duty

NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja attended a political rally in Nyeri County, asserting that his presence was strictly for official security oversight.

In a press statement released on Thursday, NPS refuted LSK’s accusations, maintaining that the Inspector-General’s visit to Kieni was part of his constitutional mandate to oversee security arrangements for the President during his development tour of the region.

“At no time has the IG engaged in activities that could undermine the neutrality of his office,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

According to the NPS, the Inspector-General’s presence in Nyeri was aligned with Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011, and the National Police Service Standing Orders (Chapter 7, Section 8), which mandate the police to protect the President and other dignitaries.

The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), which operates under the direction of the IG, is tasked with ensuring the President’s safety during official engagements, the statement emphasized.

The police further stated that since mid-March 2025, IG Kanja has been conducting a security tour across multiple counties, including Baringo, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Meru.

The tour focuses on inspections of police stations, improving officers’ welfare and mental health, enhancing financial prudence within the service, encouraging ICT skills in line with police digitization, and overseeing security operations, particularly in the North Rift

As part of this initiative, the IG and Interior Cabinet Secretary had earlier visited Loruk (Baringo) and Kirimon (Laikipia) to assess progress in restoring security in bandit-prone areas.

The NPS urged the public to disregard the claims made by LSK, stating that the service remains apolitical and fully committed to maintaining law and order.

The statement follows LSK’s demand for an apology from the IG and its call for him to step aside over alleged political involvement. However, the police insist that the allegations are unfounded and misleading.