Police IG Japhet Koome kicked out of office

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has resigned from his position.

His resignation comes amid vicious pressure from Kenyans, championed by youthful protesters, who have managed to kick him out of office barely a day after President William Ruto was forced to sack all his Cabinet Secretaries.

Deputy Inspector General Douglas Kanja will step in as the acting IG, ensuring continuity within the Kenya Police Service.

“His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has on this 12th day of July, 2024, accepted the resignation of Eng. Japhet N. Koome, MGH, as the Inspector General of the National Police Service,” a statement from the President’s office confirmed.

In addition to Kanja’s new role, President Ruto has appointed Eliud Langat as the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and James Kamau as the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.

Japhet Koome, a seasoned law enforcement officer, has had a distinguished career in the Kenyan police force. Before his appointment as Inspector General, Koome served in various capacities, including the Nairobi County Police Commander, where he was instrumental in enhancing security and reducing crime rates in the capital.