Former Inspector General Japhet Koome addresses officers in Turkana County on February 14, 2023. Image credit: National Police Service
In Summary:
1) President Ruto announced the resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and appointed Douglas Kanja as the acting IG.
2) Multiple key appointments and redeployments were made within the National Police Service and related security agencies.
On Friday, July 12, President William Ruto announced the resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. In a statement, Ruto accepted Koome’s resignation to facilitate a smooth transition within the top leadership of the National Police Service (NPS).
Following Koome’s decision to step down, President Ruto appointed Douglas Kanja as the acting IG, pending the nomination, parliamentary approval, and official appointment of Koome’s successor.
“The Head of State has, in accordance with Section 16 of the National Police Service Act, designated Douglas Kanja, CBS, the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, as the acting Inspector General of the National Police Service,” Ruto announced.
In addition, President Ruto appointed Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the Commissioner General of Prisons, replacing Brigadier John Warioba, who is proceeding on terminal leave. Ruto also redeployed Noor Gabow within the Public Service.
Further appointments included Eliud Langat as the acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and James Kamau as the acting Deputy Inspector General under the Administration Police Service.
Ranson Lolmodooni was named Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU), and Gilbert Masengeli was appointed Commandant of the Administration Police Training College (APTC) in Embakasi, Nairobi.
President Ruto also appointed William Yiampoy as the Director of Operations at the Police Headquarters and Kainga Mathiu as the Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA) in Ngong, Nairobi.
Expressing gratitude to the outgoing IG, Japhet Koome, for his service, President Ruto announced that the changes within the homeland security agencies are effective immediately.
The announcement was made by State House Spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed.