Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Kenya’s Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome tendered his resignation on Friday 12, July 2024 amidst widespread condemnation of police actions during recent anti-government protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals.
“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. Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as the Inspector General of the National Police Service.”
President William Ruto’s office confirmed Japhet Koome’s resignation a day after Ruto dismissed nearly his entire cabinet in response to protesters’ demands.
Deputy Inspector-General Douglas Kanja has been appointed as the acting police chief with immediate effect, according to a statement from the presidency.
Eliud Langat has been appointed as the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service.
William Ruto has appointed James Kamau as the Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.
Ruto nominated Japhet Koome for the position of Inspector General of Police in September 2022, a nomination that received approval after vetting by both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Koome succeeded Hillary Mutyambai, who had taken terminal leave, bringing with him extensive experience as the former Nairobi County Police Commander and Commandant of the National Police Service College, Kiganjo.
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Koome, a seasoned police officer with a background in civil engineering, has held various leadership positions within the police force, including Officer Commanding Police Officer at Central Police in Nairobi and Regional Commander for Nairobi.
His career progressed to serving as principal deputy to Deputy Inspector General of Police Edward Mbugua at police headquarters.
The establishment of the Inspector General’s Office followed the enactment of the 2010 constitution. David Mwole Kimaiyo, a retired IGP, was the inaugural office holder from December 20, 2012, to 2014.
