IG Koome Resigns Amid Mounting Pressure Over Police Brutality

Kenya’s Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has resigned following intense pressure over allegations of police brutality during recent protests.

President William Ruto announced the resignation and appointed Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kanja, who is in charge of the Kenya Police, as the acting Inspector General.

Koome, who was appointed in September 2022 upon President Ruto’s election, succeeded Hillary Mutyambai.

His tenure has been marred by criticism, especially regarding the police response to the Gen Z protests.

These demonstrations, advocating for various government reforms, were met with a forceful police crackdown, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths and sparking widespread calls for accountability.

President Ruto also ordered the re-deployment of Noor Gabow, the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police.

The decision comes amid growing demands for a comprehensive overhaul of the top police command, which has been criticized for failing to maintain order during the protests.

Over 40 people were killed, many of them shot dead by police, during these demonstrations.

Following the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission, President Ruto has appointed Eliud Lagat, the General Service Unit Commandant, as the acting Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Kenya Police.

Additionally, James Kamau has been named the acting Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Administration Police.

Ranson Lolmodooni has been appointed the new General Service Unit Commandant, and William Yiampoy, the Presidential Escort Commander, will now head operations at Police Headquarters.

Kainga Mathiu has been appointed the Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy.

The changes are part of a broader effort to restore public confidence in the police force and address the issues of accountability and transparency that have plagued the institution.

The government hopes these changes will lead to a more effective and humane policing approach, especially in handling public protests and maintaining law and order.