The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticised the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for attending President William Ruto’s rally in Nyeri on Wednesday, March 2, 2024.

The LSK says the presence of Kanja in the meeting raises institutional concerns, as the police must be seen to be impartial when it comes to political matters.

“From the onset, we must point out that the Inspector-General has a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation.

“We are apprehensive that the events in Nyeri yesterday amounted to a political gimmick, whose unintended effect may be the ostracization of parts of the population that hold alternative political views from those advanced by Mr.Kanja through his presence and remarks at yesterday’s rally.

“Such a situation is untenable and amounts to an inexcusable violation of the constitutional edicts that are incumbent upon the Inspector-General,” a statement signed by LSK President Faith Odhiambo read.

The lawyer’s body reminded Kanja that the oath of office he swore binds him to abide by the Constitution, all Acts of Parliament, and the orders and regulations governing the National Police Service.

“In this regard, we find it necessary to highlight the fundamental legal provisions that were violated by his conduct. The office of the Inspector-General is established under Article 245(1) of the Constitution to exercise independent command over the National Police Service.

“For all intents and purposes, the Inspector General is constitutionally required to act impartially and is exempt from acting at the whims of any person or to advance any purpose that does not reflect the constitutional principles of national security.

“The natural conclusion is, therefore, that Mr. Kanja’s decision to attend and address a political rally was a lapse in judgment made of his own volition, for which he must bear the full consequences of law,” it continued to read.

Demands

LSK has also raised demands following Kanja’s appearance in Ruto’s meeting.

“In the circumstances, the Law Society of Kenya demands an immediate public apology by the Inspector-General for his conduct yesterday, which is unbecoming of the position he holds.

“We equally demand that Mr. Kanja forthwith withdraw and restrain from engaging in any political mobilization, rallies, and/or discourse, especially in his official capacity as the Inspector-General of Police. We believe that the Inspector-General’s work is cut out for him and is too demanding to allow such unpalatable sideshows, lapses in judgment, and misplaced priorities. We urge Mr. Kanja to re-evaluate his tasks and do that which is required of him by the law and the people of Kenya.

“In the alternative, we invite Mr. Kanja to step aside from the position of Inspector-General and allow the role to be occupied by an individual willing to serve all Kenyans without imposing their political biases on the people of Kenya,” the statement demanded.