Politicians who turn government security officers into political tools risk losing them altogether, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned, declaring that the National Police Service will immediately withdraw officers assigned to any leader found misusing them.
Kanja said police officers deployed to protect state officers and other leaders entitled to government security remain answerable to the law and must carry out their duties professionally, regardless of the status of the individuals they are assigned to protect.
Speaking on Saturday during a security visit to Keringet in Nakuru County, the Inspector General said the National Police Service would not allow officers assigned to VIP protection to be used for unlawful activities or for purposes outside their constitutional mandate.
"Our leaders who have been assigned government security officers should know that if I find those officers being misused, I, as the Inspector General, will withdraw them immediately," Kanja said.
He also sent a firm warning to officers serving in VIP protection units, reminding them that they remain personally responsible for their actions and cannot hide behind the people they are assigned to guard.
"All officers attached to VIP protection must perform their duties in accordance with the law. Any officer who acts outside the law will face the full force of disciplinary action," he said.
Kanja spoke while accompanying Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during a tour of Keringet, where the government rolled out fresh security measures targeting drug trafficking, organised criminal groups and persistent land disputes.
His remarks come at a time when political activity is picking up across the country, with leaders holding frequent public engagements as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.
Although he did not single out any political leader, Kanja maintained that police officers must remain independent, professional and impartial while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He said officers assigned to protect leaders are deployed to safeguard lives and property and should never be used to threaten members of the public or serve political interests.
The Inspector General assured Kenyans that the National Police Service would continue enforcing the law fairly and would take action against officers who fail to uphold service regulations.
As part of the visit, Murkomen directed that all officers attached to Keringet Police Station be transferred in a move aimed at strengthening the fight against drug and substance abuse in the area.
The Cabinet Secretary also announced the deployment of 20 additional police officers, a specialised anti-drug operations team and another police vehicle to reinforce security operations.
Kanja said Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi would lead the anti-drug crackdown until those behind the illegal trade are brought to justice.
He appealed to residents to continue sharing information with security agencies, saying public cooperation remains essential in the fight against crime.
The Inspector General added that the National Police Service would continue to uphold professionalism and the rule of law, insisting that no officer would be allowed to compromise the integrity of the service because of the influence or position of the person under their protection.