Engineer Japhet Koome has resigned as the Inspector General of Police.
Koome’s resignation was announced by State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed on Friday afternoon.
In a brief statement to the newsroom, the statement read that President Ruto had accepted the resignation of the IG.
“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,” read the statement.
The statement said Douglas Kanja will now act as the IG pending the nomination, parliamentary approval, and appointment of a new IG.
READ ALSO: Maandamano Thursday: Why Police Sprayed Azimio Protesters with Pink Water
According to the statement, Elijah Lang’at will be the acting Deputy IG, Kenya Police Service, with James Kamau being the acting Deputy IG, Administration Police Service.
Japhet Koome has resigned a day after President William Ruto sacked his Cabinet. Only the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi were spared.
Japhet Koome has been criticised by rights bodies over arrests and abductions during the recent Gen Z protests.
Human rights bodies criticised police for the deaths of at least 39 people, the majority shot dead by police.
The protests escalated, forcing President Ruto to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024.
Koome, an engineer by profession, carries the tag of a tough cop. As the Nairobi Police Commander, Koome is credited with crushing the Azimio protests by Raila Odinga’s led opposition.
PAY ATTENTION: Reach us at info@gotta.news.
