Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah Challenges Appointment of New Inspector General of Police in Court

On Wednesday, Busia Senator and activist Okiya Omtatah filed a petition in court challenging the appointment of Douglas Kanja as the new Inspector General (IG) of Police. Omtatah argues that Kanja's selection contravenes the Constitution, claiming the appointment was not subjected to the required competitive recruitment process. The High Court has since certified Omtatah’s petition as urgent.

IG Kanja was appointed a week ago following approval by the National Assembly, and subsequently sworn in by Chief Justice Martha Koome, with President William Ruto installing him into office. However, his appointment comes under scrutiny, not only due to the alleged lack of a transparent hiring process, but also because of his controversial record during his tenure as Acting IG. Kanja faces criticism for his handling of demonstrators during the recent anti-government protests, during which alleged police brutality was reported.

In addition to these controversies, Kanja must confront the daunting task of addressing police reforms, an issue that President Ruto has emphasized will require Ksh106 billion in funding. Despite these challenges, the National Assembly's committees on Administration and Internal Affairs, alongside the Senate’s Defence and Foreign Relations committee, endorsed Kanja’s appointment based on his track record, deeming him the most qualified candidate for the role.

The appointment follows the resignation of former IG Japhet Koome, who had faced allegations of police brutality and human rights violations during the Gen Z protests. Kanja’s short-term predecessor, Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli, had also courted controversy, defying seven court orders during his brief stint, which resulted in a six-month prison sentence for contempt of court. Although the sentence was later lifted following his apology, it further fueled concerns over the leadership of the National Police Service.