Newly appointed Acting Inspector General of National Police Service, Douglas Kanja has officially assumed office.
Kanja has taken over the leadership of the NPS from former IG Japhet Koome who resigned on Friday, July 12, 2024.
President William Ruto announced the changes on Friday.
He said Kanja will be deputised by former Commandant, General Service Unit, Eliud Lagat (Kenya Police Service) and former Commandant National Police College, Embakasi "A" Campus, James Kamau, (Administration Police Service) in acting capacities.
The handover ceremony was held at the NPS Headquarters Friday afternoon.
The outgoing IG expressed gratitude to the National Police Service officers for the support they accorded him while he was in office.
Koome said Kenya is a beautiful country and bigger than all of the leaders.
The incoming acting IG on his part thanked the former police chief for his strategic leadership and wished him well.
The changes come days after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights claimed that at least 41 people died and 361 others were injured following the nationwide anti-Finance Bill protests.
Police have faced accusations of of using brute force against protesters during the civil disobedience, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured.
Kenyans on social media raised concerns over the heavy-handedness of security agents during the demonstrations.
On July 5, Ruto assured Kenyans that action would be taken against rogue officers accused of shooting protesters during the recent the protests once investigations are complete.
He further promised that his administration would not condone any form of police brutality or extrajudicial killings, stating that every officer found culpable would be brought to justice.
