Police Reveal Why IG Kanja Attended Ruto's Function During Mt Kenya Tour
NPS's statement on Thursday, April 3, was in response to demands by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that IG Kanja either offer a public apology or resign.
Marvin Chege 
The National Police Service (NPS) has explained why Inspector General Douglas Kanja was spotted at a political rally hosted by President William Ruto on Wednesday, April 2, a matter which drew heated debate online.
NPS's statement on Thursday, April 3, was in response to demands by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that IG Kanja either offer a public apology or resign. LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized Kanja for making a serious mistake by attending the rally, stating that his actions were unconstitutional as he failed to uphold impartiality.
"We invite Mr. Kanja to step aside from the position of Inspector-General and allow the role to be occupied by an individual willing to serve all Kenyans without imposing their political biases on the people of Kenya," Odhiambo demanded.
However, in a rejoinder, the NPS categorically refuted these claims and reaffirmed the IG's commitment to constitutional impartiality in serving all Kenyans, devoid of political bias, stating that "At no time has the IG engaged in activities that could undermine the neutrality of his office."
LSK President Faith Odhiambo during a past meeting. /FILE
The police service revealed that IG Kanja's presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including oversight of security arrangements during the President Ruto's development tour, terming this a core mandate of the NPS under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011 and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8.
The NPS further revealed that "The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPS under the direction of the Inspector General of Police."
Although IG Kanja's presence in Nyeri on Wednesday initially drew little attention, controversy arose when he chose to address the massive crowd gathered to see the President.
During his speech, the IG reaffirmed the police service's dedication to maintaining law and order impartially, assuring Kenyans that law enforcement would serve everyone equally, regardless of political affiliation. "Our focus is on ensuring the safety and security of every citizen in this country," the IG said during the tour.
However, this move attracted condemnation, leading to Odhiambo's demand that the IG refrain from engaging in any form of political mobilization, after she termed his move a political gimmick.
Odhiambo stated that Kanja's position, established under Article 245(1) of the Constitution, prohibits him from engaging in any activities that demonstrate bias, such as attending a political rally.
"The Inspector General is constitutionally required to act impartially and is exempt from acting at the whims of any person or advancing any purpose that does not reflect the Constitutional principles of National Security. Kanja's decision to attend and address a political rally was a lapse in judgment, a violation for which he must bear the full consequences of the law," the lawyer stated.
NPS has since urged the public to disregard what it termed as "misleading assertions, as it remains apolitical and committed to the mandate of maintaining law and order".
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