Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome Departs Amid Criticism Over Protests

Japheth Koome, the Inspector General of Police, retired abruptly amid criticism stemming from the officers’ handling of the recent anti-government protests where 39 people were killed.

The departure of the police chief, who is stepping down after almost 20 months on the job, was announced by the Office of the President in a statement to newsrooms on Friday afternoon.

“His Excellency Hon William Samoei Ruto, PhD, 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,” reads the statement in part.

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The President expressed his gratitude to Mr Koome for the service he has rendered to the nation and extended his best wishes in his future endeavours, the Office of the President said.

In the past few weeks, the demonstrators, who are mostly young people, delivered a sharp critique of Mr Koome’s leadership and called upon him to resign, saying he is responsible for the harsh measures, including abductions and killings, employed by officers against the demonstrators.

His resignation, which becomes effective immediately, follows a wave of sackings in the Cabinet during a tumultuous moment that has brought intense scrutiny on how the ministers in the government are spending their money, living in opulence and wealth while at the same time decrying dry coffers and seeking to increase taxes.

President Ruto said Douglas Kanja, the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, would serve as interim Inspector General of the National Police Service, awaiting approval and confirmation by the parliament.

He also announced other changes in the Kenya Prisons Service, where Patrick Mwiti Arandu is taking over as the Commissioner General of Prisons.

“Mr Arandu takes over from Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, who is proceeding on terminal leave pending the end of his tenure of office,” he said.

Eliud Lagat was appointed acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, and James Kamau was appointed acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.

Other senior appointments include Ranson Lolmodooni as the Commandant General Service Unit (GSU), Gilbert Masengeli as the Commandant of Administration Police Training College (APTC), Embakasi, and Kainga Mathiu as the new Commandant of National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA), Ngong.

At the Kenya Police Headquarters in Vigilance House, Nairobi, William Yiampoy has been picked as the new Director of Operations.

The changes take effect immediately, the President said.

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