The anti-government protests and the degeneration of the demonstrations into clashes, violence in Kenya is causing a real revolution even in the highest offices of the State: after President Ruto yesterday removed practically all his ministers from their positions, except that of Foreign Affairs, saving even his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, today the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, resigned. As the State House announced, the resignation was accepted with immediate effect.
"HIS EXCELLENCE William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D, CGH, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, has accepted, on 12 July 2024, the resignation of Engineer Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as Inspector General of the National Police Service," the statement read.
Pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of a new national police chief, Ruto has appointed Douglas Kanja, the current Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, as acting Inspector General.
Accordingly, Eliud Langat will be the acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, while James Kamau will be the acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administrative Police Service.
An investigation into possible responsibility for the deaths of 41 demonstrators during anti-government protests in recent weeks hangs over the police.