Police Inspector General Japhet Koome Resigns

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Japhet Koome resigned as Inspector General of the National Police Service.
• President Ruto appointed Douglas Kanja as acting IG and Patrick Mwiti Arandu as Commissioner General of Prisons.

Japhet Koome has stepped down as the Inspector General of the National Police Service. 

His unexpected resignation was announced on Friday afternoon by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in a statement to newsrooms.

“His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D., CGH, President and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, has on this 12th day of July, 2024, accepted the resignation of Eng. Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as the Inspector General of the National Police Service,” the statement read.

Until a new police IG is appointed, President Ruto has designated Mr. Douglas Kanja, the current Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, to serve as the acting Inspector General. 

Alongside this change, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Noor Gabow, has been reassigned to the Public Service. 

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Consequently, Mr. Eliud Langat will now be the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, while Mr. James Kamau will take on the role of Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.

Koome has faced intense scrutiny due to arbitrary arrests and abductions by the police during recent anti-government protests. 

The police service has been heavily criticized by the public and human rights organizations, which reported that police killed at least 39 people during the nationwide protests triggered by the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024. 

Koome, in particular, was criticized by political leaders and the public for his silence and failure to address accusations of police brutality.

These changes in the police service come a day after President William Ruto dissolved his Cabinet, a move seemingly aimed at addressing public dissatisfaction with his administration. Additionally, President Ruto has appointed Mr. Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the Commissioner General of Prisons. 

Arandu will replace Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, who is set to proceed on terminal leave pending the end of his tenure.