Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has come to the defence of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, dismissing allegations that the country’s top police officer holds a fake academic degree. The claims were recently raised by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has intensified his criticism of Kanja as political tensions continue to rise.
Speaking on the matter, Murkomen maintained that Kanja was lawfully appointed as Inspector General after meeting all the constitutional and legal requirements for the office. The Interior CS described Kanja as a diligent, disciplined and professional officer whose record in the National Police Service speaks for itself. He insisted that the government has full confidence in the Inspector General’s leadership and dismissed calls questioning his suitability to remain in office.
Murkomen further stated that Kanja’s position is secure, emphasizing that the Inspector General enjoys the confidence of both the government and the institutions responsible for his appointment. He argued that attempts to discredit Kanja through unverified allegations should not distract the National Police Service from its constitutional mandate of maintaining law and order.
The defence comes against the backdrop of repeated attacks by Gachagua, who has on several occasions criticized Kanja’s leadership and accused him of failing to uphold professionalism within the police service. The latest allegations have added another dimension to the ongoing political confrontation between the former Deputy President and senior government officials.
Despite the criticism, Murkomen reiterated that the government remains firmly behind Kanja, saying his performance and commitment to duty, rather than political accusations, will determine his tenure as Inspector General.