Government Defends IG Kanja’s Presence at Ruto’s Nyeri Rally
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has come to the defense of Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja, following heavy criticism over his remarks at a rally led by President William Ruto in Nyeri County on Tuesday. Critics, especially from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), have raised concerns that Kanja’s actions compromised the neutrality of the National Police Service (NPS).
During President Ruto’s ongoing development tour of the Mt. Kenya region, IG Kanja spoke at the rally, which many perceived as a political speech. This led to backlash from Kenyans who argued that Kanja, as the head of the NPS, should remain impartial and not participate in political events.
IG Kanja’s Role and Official Duties
In response to the criticism, Mwaura issued a statement defending Kanja’s actions. He explained that as the head of the NPS, it is Kanja’s responsibility to ensure public safety and security at presidential events. According to Mwaura, Kanja’s presence at the Nyeri rally was strictly in line with his official duties, including overseeing the safety of the president and other dignitaries.
“As per section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011, the IG is mandated to provide security and coordination during presidential functions,” Mwaura stated. He further emphasized that the IG’s role also includes supervising the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), which is responsible for the protection of the president and other VIPs.
Mwaura clarified that Kanja’s address was focused on the successful execution of Ruto’s visit and did not involve any political commentary. He stated that the IG’s remarks were aimed at ensuring the smooth operation of the event, not promoting political parties or candidates.
Mwaura’s Reassurance on IG’s Impartiality
Mwaura strongly dismissed claims that Kanja’s actions undermined the neutrality of the NPS. He reminded the public that Kanja had been on an operational tour across several counties, including Baringo, Samburu, and Laikipia, since mid-March 2025, with the goal of improving police operations.
“To date, at no point has IG Kanja compromised the impartiality of his office,” Mwaura stressed, reaffirming the IG’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality in law enforcement.
International Examples of Security Officials at Presidential Events
To further support his argument, Mwaura pointed to international examples where top security officials participate in events attended by their heads of state. He mentioned the United States, South Africa, and Nigeria, where security leaders often address national security issues at presidential functions.
Mwaura also highlighted similar practices during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s time in office, when IG Hillary Mutyambai accompanied him on development tours, addressing security matters.
“In South Africa, the National Commissioner of the SAPS regularly participates in Presidential Imbizos. In the U.S., the FBI Director and Homeland Security Secretary often speak at presidential events,” Mwaura said.
LSK’s Criticism and Kanja’s Response
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has been vocal in its condemnation of Kanja’s involvement in the Nyeri rally. LSK President Faith Odhiambo argued that Kanja’s actions violated the constitutional principles of impartiality and demanded that he withdraw from political engagements and issue an apology.
However, IG Kanja has rejected these claims, calling them “misleading and baseless.” He reaffirmed that his actions were in line with his professional duties and that the NPS remains apolitical.
Conclusion
Mwaura’s statement seeks to assure Kenyans that the police service is dedicated to maintaining law and order while remaining neutral in political matters. He urged the public to disregard what he described as “misleading assertions” about the IG’s political involvement, emphasizing that the NPS is committed to global best practices in security governance.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether IG Kanja’s participation in political events will continue to spark debate. For now, the government maintains that his actions were in line with his professional responsibilities and not politically motivated.
Government Defends IG Kanja’s Presence at Ruto’s Nyeri Rally
