IG nominee Douglas Kanja plans to introduce body cameras for police

Inspector General of Police nominee Douglas Kanja during his vetting on Thursday, August 15, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Inspector General of Police nominee Douglas Kanja has vowed to fight corruption in the National Police Service by introducing name tags and body cameras, among other measures, if approved.

Kanja, who appeared before the Joint Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, and Internal Administration Affairs for vetting, stated that the introduction of body cameras will greatly help in preventing police officers from taking or demanding bribes.

"If approved, I will ensure that officers wear uniforms whenever we are going for any type of deployment. That is one area I am keen on addressing," Kanja said when asked for his opinion on the deployment of plainclothes police officers.

Kanja,60, also explained how he would address the rampant banditry menace in various parts of the country, including the Rift region.

"I will work closely with all leaders to ensure banditry is stopped for good. This will include introducing additional National Police Reservists in places where they are understaffed since they understand their regions well," he stated.

During the vetting, Kanja also commented on the strained security services and security lapses during the storming of Parliament on June 25 following anti-finance bill protests.

"There were security gaps, and we appreciate the police officers for operating under such tight circumstances. The demonstrations engulfed the entire country, overstretching our personnel, which is why we need to recruit more officers and invest in better equipment," he stated.

Kanja previously served as the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and was the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU) for five years. He also held the position of Deputy Commandant of the GSU for three years and was the County Police Commander in charge of Kilifi County.

Kanja has been holding the position in acting capacity following the resignation of Japhet Koome on July 12, 2024, in the wake of the anti-government protests.