Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come to the defence of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, rejecting claims that the police chief has little control over the National Police Service and insisting that his authority is firmly protected by the Constitution.
Murkomen dismissed descriptions of Kanja as a “flower girl”, saying the IG has the constitutional mandate to command the police service and make key operational decisions without interference from the Interior Ministry or other government officials.
Speaking on Friday during the 59th Administration Police Recruits Passing-out Parade at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi, Murkomen said Article 245 clearly defines the powers of the Inspector General and requires other state officers to respect the independence of the office.
“The Inspector General of Police retains the command of the National Police Service, especially on matters Investigation matters, promotion matters, and deployment of officers without the interference of anyone, including the Cabinet Secretary. We will continue dissenting Article 245 of the Constitution.”
His remarks come amid renewed questions over Kanja’s leadership following the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich on September 1, 2026.
Kiprotich was reportedly seized by armed men along the Gilgil-Nakuru Road before being found safe near Masinga Dam about nine hours later. The National Police Service said Kanja had directed its Anti-Abduction Unit to investigate the incident and establish who was behind the alleged abduction.
The case has since reignited debate over the extent of the IG’s control of police operations, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua among those questioning Kanja’s authority.
The Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja, MGH, CBS, OGW (R), with Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, arriving at National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus ahead of recruits passing-out parade on September 4, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
Gachagua has described Kanja as a “flower girl leading a shell”, claiming that senior government officials, rather than the IG, control some sections of the police service. He made the remarks while criticising Kanja’s handling of the Kiprotich case.
Kanja has faced similar questions over the independence of his office in the past.
In April 2025, the Law Society of Kenya called on the IG to apologise or resign after he appeared at a political rally attended by President William Ruto in Kieni, Nyeri County.
The LSK argued that Kanja’s presence and remarks at the April 2 event raised questions about the political neutrality of the National Police Service. The police service, however, said Kanja was in Nyeri in his official capacity to provide security during the President’s development tour.
The IG also came under pressure following the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody in June 2025.
On June 12, 2025, Kanja told a parliamentary committee that any officer found to have played a role in Ojwang’s death, including Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, would be required to step aside to allow investigations to proceed.
The controversy also drew calls for the resignation of both Kanja and Murkomen, with Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji accusing the two officials of misleading Kenyans over Ojwang’s death.
Kanja became Inspector General on September 19, 2024, after President William Ruto nominated him following the resignation of Japheth Koome.
Before taking over as IG, Kanja served as Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and Commandant of the General Service Unit. He joined the police service as a constable in 1985 and has served in the force for nearly four decades.
Despite the criticism surrounding his leadership, Murkomen said he remains confident in Kanja and the wider leadership of the National Police Service.
“I have full faith in the leadership of the National Police Service. The leadership of the National Police Service that you put in place, Your Excellency, are doing a fantastic job. The Inspector General of Police is doing his job.”
Murkomen said his ministry does not interfere with the IG’s operational mandate, explaining that policy directions are issued in writing while decisions on police operations remain the responsibility of the Inspector General.
“When I require to give policy direction, the Constitution is clear. I always give that policy direction in writing under Article 245 of the Constitution, and we will be continuing to support the independence of the national police service from any external interference.”
The Interior CS also rejected claims that some police units operate outside Kanja’s authority, dismissing such assertions as “false propagandists”.
He said the government would continue investing in the police service through recruitment, better training, equipment and improved welfare.
Murkomen also urged the newly trained officers to protect the dignity of the police uniform by rejecting corruption and alcoholism as they begin their careers.
He further called for greater attention to the mental health of police officers, urging commanders and colleagues to support officers facing difficulties and prevent such challenges from escalating into suicide or violence.