Japhet Koome Resigns as Inspector General of the National Police Service

In an unexpected turn of events, Japhet Koome has resigned from his position as the Inspector General of the National Police Service. The surprising resignation was announced on Friday afternoon by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed in a statement to newsrooms.

"HIS EXCELLENCY William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D., CGH, President and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, has on this 12th day of July, 2024, accepted the resignation of Eng. Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as the Inspector General of the National Police Service," the statement reads in part.

Pending the appointment of a new police IG, the Head of State has designated Mr. Douglas Kanja, the current Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, as the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service. In a series of changes within the police service, the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, Noor Gabow, has been redeployed within the Public Service.

Japhet Koome Resigns as Inspector General of the National Police Service

Consequently, Mr. Eliud Langat will be the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, and Mr. James Kamau will be the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.

Koome's resignation comes amidst mounting criticism over the handling of recent anti-government protests, where arbitrary arrests and abductions by police were reported. Human rights organizations have accused the police of killing at least 39 people during the countrywide protests triggered by the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024. Koome faced intense backlash for his silence and failure to address accusations of brutality by his officers.

The changes in the police service are part of a broader shake-up, occurring just a day after President William Ruto dissolved his Cabinet to address public dissatisfaction with his administration.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has appointed Mr. Patrick Mwiti Arandu as the Commissioner General of Prisons. "Mr. Arandu takes over from Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, who is proceeding on terminal leave pending the end of his tenure of office," added the statement from State House.

Other significant changes in the senior ranks of the police service include the designation of Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni as the Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU) and Mr. Gilbert Masengeli as the Commandant at the Administration Police Training College (APTC), Embakasi. Mr. William Yiampoy has been designated as the Director of Operations at Police Headquarters, and Mr. Kainga Mathiu as the Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA), Ngong.

"His Excellency the President has expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Inspector-General of the National Police Service for the service he has rendered to the nation and has extended his best wishes for success in all his future pursuits," added State House spokesperson Mohamed.

These changes take effect immediately, marking a significant reorganization within the National Police Service.