The new Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has said that he has no blood relation with Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Speaking shortly after taking oath of office on Friday, the IG said he needed that clarify that they share the name Koome, because the the CJ is married to one Koome Kiragu.
"I have no blood relationship with the CJ. It's only that she is married to one Koome Kiragu and I'm Koome Nchebere," Koome explained.
He added that he had seen a discussion on social media, where some people claimed that he was going to be sworn in by his wife. Other claimed that the Chief Justice was his sister.
"Once in a while I look at social media when I want to follow on trends. Last night there was talk on social media that Koome will be sworn in by Koome (Chief Justice). There was a very interesting discussion that it was about wife and husband, brother and sister. Those are good wishes but it is not the case."
CJ Koome also noted that Koome is a common name among the Meru community.
She equated the name to other highly used names in other communities like Wafula (Luhya), Anyango, Onyango (Luo), Kamau (Kikuyu) and Mohamed for Muslims.
"In fact, it means one who is very clever. That is why it is loved by many people. I hope social media will correct that," the Chief Justice added.
The new Inspector General was sworn in on Friday, taking over from Hilary Mutyambai as Kenya's fourth Inspector General.