Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | President William Ruto’s recent actions have revealed that he conducted several meetings with Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome prior to his resignation.
Sources indicate that President Ruto also engaged with other officers who have since been redeployed. These changes were reportedly prompted by mounting pressure following anti-tax protests that tragically resulted in the death of at least 39 individuals.
President Ruto announced significant adjustments within the National Police Service, including the resignation of IG Japhet Koome. Additionally, he initiated reforms within the Kenya Prisons Service by dismissing Commissioner General Brig John Warioba and transferring Presidential Escort Unit Commander William Yiampoi within his security team.
President Ruto acknowledged and accepted Koome’s resignation as Inspector General of the National Police Service amidst these organizational changes.
“To facilitate the transition within the top leadership of the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), our primary homeland security agencies, the Head of State and Government has issued Executive Order No. 7 of 2024. appointments/designations within the specific institutions and positions have been made,” said State House spokesman Hussein Mohamed. Koome’s position will be filled by a person Ruto will nominate and send a name to Parliament for vetting.
President William Ruto has made several key appointments and reshuffles within Kenya’s security sector. Patrick Mwiti Arandu, the newly appointed Commandant of Kenya Prisons College, has been named as the new Commissioner General of Prisons, replacing Brigadier John Warioba who is on terminal leave.
Furthermore, Ruto appointed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Douglas Kanja as the Acting Inspector General (IG), succeeding Japhet Koome, who assumed office in October 2022. Koome’s departure marks the third time an IG has left office before completing their term.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Administration Police Service Noor Gabow has been redeployed to the Public Service, with expectations of a new appointment in the near future.
Upon the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission, Ruto designated General Service Unit Commandant Eliud Lagat as DIG Kenya Police, and James Kamau as Acting DIG Administration Police Service (APS). These positions will be filled through a competitive process following their declaration as vacant by the commission.
State House confirmed that Ruto, on behalf of the National Security Council (NSC), acknowledged the security sector changes. Among these changes, Renson Lolmodoon, formerly Director of Operations at police headquarters, has been appointed as the new Commandant of GSU, while Gilbert Masengeli, Head of the Border Police Unit, will now serve as Commandant of the Administration Police Training Campus in Embakasi.
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Additionally, Ruto’s Head of Security William Yiampoi has been relocated to police headquarters as Director of Operations, and David Mathiu, previously Muranga Police Boss, has been appointed as Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong.
Further changes are anticipated in the coming days as the administration continues its restructuring efforts in the security sector.
“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.”
“The changes notified within our homeland security agencies take effect immediately,” the statement said.
