The Inspector-General (IG) of Police in Kenya is appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament. The IG serves a non-renewable four-year term. Douglas Kanja was sworn in as Inspector General of Police on September 19, 2024, following his nomination and vetting.
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) played a key role in the appointment process of both IG Kanja and Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
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Grounds for Removing the Inspector General
According to Article 245 of the Constitution of Kenya and the National Police Service Act No. 11A of 2011, the IG can be removed on the following grounds:
- Serious violation of the Constitution or any other law
- Gross misconduct
- Physical or mental incapacity
- Incompetence
- Bankruptcy or other just cause
Removal Process for the IG
- A petition is submitted to the NPSC outlining the facts supporting the removal grounds.
- If the petition is valid, the President appoints a tribunal to investigate.
- The tribunal submits a report to the President with binding recommendations.
- The President must act on the recommendations within seven days.
Grounds for Removing the Deputy Inspector General
Like the IG, the DIG can be removed on similar grounds:
- Serious violation of the Constitution
- Gross misconduct
- Physical or mental incapacity
- Incompetence
- Bankruptcy
- Any other just cause
Removal Process for the DIG
- A petition is filed with or initiated by the NPSC.
- NPSC investigates and, if satisfied, forwards the case to the President.
- The President removes the DIG based on the NPSC’s recommendation.
Why the Calls for Removal?
Public calls for the removal of IG Douglas Kanja and DIG Eliud Lagat intensified following the death of Albert Ojwang, a digital activist, while in police custody on June 7, 2025. The incident raised concerns about police brutality and accountability within the National Police Service.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the incident, with five officers already identified and named as responsible for Ojwang’s arrest.
For updates on this developing story, follow The Star.
