The High Court has certified a petition by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah as urgent, seeking the removal of newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja. The petition, co-filed by Omtatah and two other petitioners, argues that Kanja’s appointment violated the Constitution by bypassing the competitive recruitment process required for such a high office.
According to Omtatah, President William Ruto relied on amendments in the 2015 Security Laws Amendment Act (SLAA) to handpick Kanja without subjecting him to a transparent recruitment process. The petitioners claim that section 86 of the SLAA altered the National Police Service Act, enabling the President to appoint an IG using an undisclosed criterion and with only parliamentary approval. They argue that this process undermines the police service’s independence and accountability, leading to corruption and human rights violations.
Kanja, who was recently sworn in, took office following the resignation of former IG Japhet Koome. His appointment has stirred controversy due to the lack of competitive vetting. The court has set the case for a hearing on October 15, 2024, and ordered the preservation of all documents related to Kanja’s nomination and approval.
