Samburu West Member of Parliament (MP) Naisula Lesuuda has explained why Douglas Kanja is the best pick for the position of Inspector General of Police.
Kanja was approved by parliament to take up the position during the sitting held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He takes over following the exit of Japhet Koome, who left his position amid the heightened demonstrations engineered by Gen Zs.
Lesuuda revealed that she interacted with the new IG three years ago when Kanja was the head of the General Service Unit (GSU) and that she was impressed by him.
“I had the honour of working closely with Mr. Douglas Kanja in 2021 during his tenure as the GSU Commandant, a time when Samburu West faced heightened insecurity. What impressed me was his hands-on approach; he personally visited the area, engaging with the local community to understand their challenges and concerns.
“Upon his return to Nairobi, Mr. Kanja swiftly approved the first batch of National Police Reservists (NPR) personnel, who were trained and deployed to support other security agencies in Samburu West,” Lesuuda said in a statement on X posted on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
The lawmaker said the initiatives undertaken by Kanja are largely responsible for the current peace witnessed in her area.
“This initiative was a turning point and soon expanded to other parts of the country, strengthening our national security framework. With his recent nomination now approved by Parliament, I urge him to continue to embody the same spirit of genuine leadership, listening to the people, and implementing policies that directly benefit Kenyans.
“Best wishes as you take on this important role,” she added.
Kanja’s approval
Parliament approved Kanja’s nomination in a joint sitting between the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security and the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Foreign Relations in accordance with Article 245(2)(a) of the Constitution.
The Senate, by a resolution on August 20, 2024, approved the appointment of Kanja as the Inspector General of the National Police Service.
