Less than a week since the resignation of the former Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, Amnesty International and other organizations called on President William Ruto to initiate a competitive recruitment process for the next Inspector General (IG) and restore the role of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) in recruiting all senior police officers. The group stresses the need for a culture of command responsibility to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed by police officers. Amnesty International states that ensuring a transparent recruitment process is critical for the integrity and independence of the police service in Kenya.
Currently, Section 12 of the National Police Act requires the NPSC to competitively advertise, shortlist, interview, and recruit the IG following parliamentary vetting. This protocol was altered under the Security Laws Amendment Act, 2014, which granted the President sole authority to nominate the IG for parliamentary vetting, effectively bypassing the NPSC. The amendments have contributed to issues of police corruption, extortion, and criminality, in addition to numerous human rights violations, especially during protests. Article 245 of the Constitution of Kenya mandates the IG to exercise independent command over the National Police Service and perform other functions as prescribed by national legislation.
The rights groups also emphasize the establishment of a robust culture of command responsibility, highlighting the lack of accountability that has allowed police officers to use unlawful force against protesters. A recent report from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) revealed that 50 people had died and 413 were injured during recent anti-finance bill protests, with many incidents linked directly to police brutality.
Previously, as Deputy President, Ruto expressed concerns over the level of incompetence and lack of proper decision-making within the office of the IG. Although then IG Hillary Mutyambai has since been replaced, similar issues such as abductions and police brutality continue to surface. Currently, former Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Douglas Kanja, has been appointed as the acting IG pending the appointment of a new leader. Further details on the ongoing situation can be accessed on JURIST.