2027 presidential hopeful and veterinary specialist Joseph Chege Mugachia has called for comprehensive reforms to Kenya's security sector, arguing that the President carries the ultimate constitutional responsibility for national security as chair of the National Security Council.
Speaking during a Radio Generation interview on Wednesday, Mugachia said discussions on policing and accountability should be guided by the constitutional framework governing the country's security architecture rather than focusing solely on operational agencies.
He said the National Security Council is the country's highest security decision-making body, mandated to advise the President on national security matters.
According to Mugachia, the National Security Council is the country's highest organ on national security and is mandated to advise the President on security matters.
The aspirant noted that the council is chaired by the President and comprises nine senior state officials, including the Deputy President, the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Defence and Foreign Affairs, the Chief of the Defence Forces, the Director General of the National Intelligence Service, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General, arguing that the President therefore bears ultimate constitutional responsibility for national security.
He argued that while the Inspector General of Police independently manages police operations, the President retains overall constitutional responsibility for the country's security through the council.
"The President does not get himself involved in the day-to-day running of the police or security, but he is the single person who has sworn by the Constitution to safeguard the safety and security of Kenyans. At the operational level, it is the work of the Inspector General of Police." Mugachia stated.
The presidential hopeful said concerns raised by citizens over policing should follow the constitutional chain of accountability, beginning with local officers before escalating through senior leadership where necessary.
Mugachia maintained that accountability ultimately rests with those entrusted with oversight of the security sector. He said security is a constitutional responsibility shared by both citizens and the State, arguing that Kenyans should first seek redress through the appropriate channels before escalating their concerns.
He added that repeated complaints over policing had progressed through the chain of command to the highest level of government, which, in his view, places ultimate responsibility on the President.
Referring to recent security incidents during political activities, he argued that visible failures in law enforcement reflected weaknesses in the enforcement of the rule of law.
"We say there is a complete breakdown of law and order, and the buck stops now at the President. Everybody else has responsibility, but it has moved to the highest level."
Mugachia said restoring confidence in the security sector would require both institutional reforms and stronger adherence to the Constitution.
Mugachia proposed stricter enforcement of court orders, equal application of the law regardless of rank, retraining of security officers and expanded civic education to help citizens understand and protect their constitutional rights.
According to the presidential hopeful, a President should lead by example through strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for court decisions, while ensuring that all public officers are held accountable under the law.
He concluded by stressing the need to empower citizens with legal knowledge so they can exercise their rights and seek redress whenever those rights are violated.