Douglas Kanja took over leadership of the National Police Service Thursday, with renewed promises of justice.
However, as the acting Inspector General, Gilbert Masengeli, exited office with a plea for the courts to forgive his defiance of orders, the President failed to directly address the growing trend of disobeying court orders by senior officials within his administration.
The newly appointed Inspector General, Douglas Kanja, hit the ground running, vowing to ensure thorough investigations into the whereabouts of three missing Kenyans. The police have been accused of downplaying the disappearance of land rights defender Bob Njagi, and brothers Longton Jamil and Aslam Longton.
The case landed Masengeli in trouble, leading to his six-month jail sentence for contempt of court.
While reiterating the need for government institutions to operate independently, President Ruto praised Masengeli for his exceptional performance in the absence of a permanent office holder.
“I must commend the Acting Inspector General and all officers who have supported the National Police Service, ensuring continuity and clarity on matters of security,” said Ruto at State House after formally installing Kanja and presenting him with the instruments of authority.
Masengeli had failed to appear in court to clarify the whereabouts of Njagi, Jamil, and Aslam. The brothers were reported to have disappeared near their home in Kitengela, while Njagi was allegedly pulled off a bus in Mlolongo and bundled into a Subaru by individuals who identified themselves as police officers on 19 August.
The Law Society of Kenya moved to court over their disappearance. Justice Lawrence Mugambi had issued habeas corpus orders to the police to produce them. Masengeli was found guilty of contempt for ignoring seven court summons.
Despite this, President Ruto expressed his confidence in Masengeli, who serves as the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police Service, alongside his counterpart in the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, and the Director of Criminal Investigations, Amin Mohamed.
“I am confident that the three will provide the necessary support to our new Inspector General,” said Ruto, urging Kanja to resist manipulation, blackmail, and coercion within the police force.
The President congratulated Kanja on his appointment, describing it as a milestone in the implementation of police reforms. He expressed confidence in Kanja’s ability, highlighting his extensive experience and commitment to enhancing command and leadership within the National Police Service.
“In Mr Kanja, you have a seasoned leader, a disciplined career police officer, and a dedicated Kenyan. I have faith in his ability to lead the police service,” he said.
The President assured the police that the government would provide the necessary support to tackle security challenges, urging officers to be sensitive to the needs of Kenyans. He emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and order to foster socio-economic development.
Furthermore, the President urged Kanja to instil a culture of respect, stating: “It is your duty to protect the National Police Service as an independent institution by ensuring all citizens are treated equally under the rule of law.”
Kanja was installed at State House following his earlier swearing-in at the Supreme Court. In his first media address as Inspector General, Kanja reiterated that Njagi, Jamil, and Aslam were not in police custody, refuting claims that they had been detained by officers.
“What I have gathered from our officers is that we do not have them in custody,” Kanja said. “A report was made, and we have an active investigation underway. We urge any Kenyan with information to come forward.”
DCI Director Amin Mohamed confirmed they were investigating the abduction reports. “Abduction is a penal code offence, and it is our duty as National Police Service officers to investigate, profile, and bring those responsible to justice,” said the DCI chief.
According to Amin, the DCI profiles suspects, arrests them, and detains them in gazetted police stations. “We have received multiple complaints of abductions, including the Kitengela three, and we are investigating the matter,” he added.
Kanja thanked President Ruto for his appointment and issued a stern warning to criminals across the country. “I wish to assure Kenyans that together we will serve the nation,” he said, pledging to promote professionalism within the police service and to rebuild public confidence in the National Police Service by fostering trust and transparency.
“I urge the public to work closely with us to ensure security prevails in our country at all times,” Kanja added, promising to uphold accountability and to continue the fight against corruption.
After being sworn in, Kanja pledged to restore the strained relationship between the police and the judiciary, appealing to Kenyans for any information that could assist in locating Njagi, Jamil, and Aslam.
Kanja also promised to work closely with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, ensuring coordination with the judiciary.
“I will work with all arms of government and within the framework of the law,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to uphold Article 37 of the Constitution.
Civil society groups have been demanding answers regarding the whereabouts of Njagi, Jamil, and Aslam, who are believed to have been targeted due to their anti-government stance.
“The whereabouts of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, and Aslam Longton remain unknown 24 days after reports of their abduction were filed at Kitengela Police Station. Their continued disappearance is of grave concern to human rights defenders and Kenyans at large. We call on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to urgently investigate their disappearance,” said Defenders Coalition on September 13.
