Senators call for IG Japhet Koome's dismissal

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on the floor of the Senate on July 3, 2024. [Courtesy]

Senators have called on President William Ruto to dismiss Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome for failing to protect Kenyans during the anti-Finance Bill protests.

Speaking during a Senate sitting on Wednesday, the senators put Koome on the spot following police brutality that was experienced during the protests.

“ The president should quickly restructure the security organs by firing people, the IG included,” said Khalwale.

Additionally, Khalwale urged the president to consider dissolving the cabinet, disbanding offices that do not conform to the constitution such as Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) and Prime Cabinet Secretary.

Similarly, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua also called for the dismissal of IG Japhet Koome.

“Talking about incompetence and lack of capacity, the Inspector General of Police is the embodiment of lack of capacity to lead the Kenya Police Service. Mr Koome must leave office immediately for this country to enjoy peace and tranquillity,” said Wambua.

Nandi senator Samson Cherargei, on his part, criticised the IG for his silence since the start of the anti-tax demonstrations in the country.

Cherargei said the IG should have updated the country's regular security situation by giving records on the number of deaths, casualties, and properties looted daily.

“Ordinarily, it shouldn't be the President responding to all these issues, especially on regular security. I would have expected even the police spokesperson. The only time the Inspector General of Police has responded is when he saw allocations of fatalities in a hit. He sent a statement,” Cherargei told the senate.

Cherargei also proposed the disbandment of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in a bid to win back the public trust.

“If today's EACC was serious, three-quarters of governors would be in jail by now. Because even some of the people serving as the State Officers, they should be in jail but EACC has failed us,” he added.

Cherargei further called for a lifestyle audit for all state officials.

“Any person who is serving in a public office must do a lifestyle audit. The reason Kenyans were on the streets is because they are wondering how they contribute Sh20 million in a harambee and yet they don't even have a sh100,” he added.