Amid reports of a looming exit of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho, all eyes are on President William Ruto, who is expected to nominate the new police boss.
It is reported that Kanja, who was appointed as the IG in September 2024, will soon be leaving the police command amid serious serious lobbying for the position.
With the 2024 general election on sight, the looming changes in the top police command are meant to ensure that the country is well prepared for the poll.
Kanja is said to be operating on contract having already attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
If Kanja leaves, who is most likely going to succeed him?
Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Kenya Police Service wing, Eliud Lagat, is one of those tipped to succeed Kanja.
Lagat who has been in the service for 28 years, was appointed as Kanja’s Deputy in 2024. Prior to his appointment to the current role, he served as the GSU commandant for slightly over one year.
Previously, he had served as the director of the Investigations Bureau at the Directorate of Criminals Investigations headquarters.
The then GSU commandant, Eliud Lagat, who is tipped by many to become the next Inspector General of Police amid the looming retirement of police chief Douglas Kanja Kirocho.
A bomb and hazardous materials expert, Lagat is a holder of a Masters degree in security matters from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Automotive engineering from the University of Eastern Africa Baraton.
By Creatorhub