National security is a fundamental pillar in safeguarding Kenya’s sovereignty, and any attempt to compromise it must be called out.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo has strongly condemned Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja for blatantly violating the law by attending a roadside political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, led by President William Ruto.
Kanja’s presence at the event was a direct breach of the Constitution and a betrayal of his oath of office, making a mockery of the National Police Service’s supposed neutrality.
Kanja’s attendance and remarks at the rally were not only inappropriate but also a clear indication of his willingness to bend the law for political interests.
The Constitution strictly prohibits the Inspector-General from engaging in politics, yet he shamelessly stood alongside politicians, sending a dangerous message about the independence of the police service.
By openly aligning himself with a political faction, Kanja has effectively turned the police into a tool of political manipulation, something that should never be tolerated in a democratic society.
“National security is a quintessential safeguard of the sovereignty of Kenya as a Republic. The importance of all organs of our national security reflecting the mandatory constitutional principles required thereof cannot be overemphasized. The involvement of the @IG_NPS in addressing political rallies is neither contemplated nor allowed by the Constitution. Mr. Douglas Kanja has broken the law, and is in conflict with his oath of office”. She stated.
The Law Society of Kenya has cited multiple legal violations, including Article 245(1) of the Constitution, which mandates police independence.
Kanja also breached Section 10(4) of the National Police Service Act, which requires him to uphold national values. Furthermore, his actions violated Section 23(2) of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, which bars state officers from engaging in political activities.
The National Police Service Standing Orders explicitly prohibit police officers from making political statements, yet Kanja disregarded all these provisions without hesitation.
LSK has demanded an immediate public apology from Kanja, stating that his conduct is unacceptable and has severely tainted the reputation of the police service. The society has made it clear that if Kanja is unwilling to correct his mistake and commit to neutrality, he must resign.
His continued stay in office after such a glaring violation of the law only serves to undermine the trust Kenyans have in the police.
Beyond his political misconduct, Kanja has failed to address critical security concerns in the country. Under his watch, cases of abductions and rising insecurity have gone unaddressed, while he chooses to engage in political theatrics.
LSK has warned that if he does not realign his priorities, he could face removal from office under Article 245(7) of the Constitution.
Kanja’s actions are a stain on the integrity of the police service. His presence at a political rally was not just a lapse in judgment it was a deliberate and unlawful act that sets a dangerous precedent.
If the Inspector-General cannot respect the Constitution, then he has no business leading the National Police Service. Kenyans deserve a police force that is neutral, professional, and committed to security, not one that plays to the whims of politicians.
If Kanja cannot uphold these principles, he must step down immediately.
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