Embattled Police Inspector General Japhet Koome has resigned from the service.
State House in a statement announced that President William Ruto has accepted the resignation.
The Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Douglas Kanja will take over from Koome as acting Inspector General.
“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.” The statement read.
According to the State House, pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of a new police IG, the Head of State has designated Mr. Douglas Kanja, the current Deputy-Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, as the acting Inspector-General of the National Police Service.
Eliud Langat will be the Acting Deputy Inspector General, of the Kenya Police Service with James Kamau being the Acting Deputy Inspector General, of the Administration Police Service.
Koome has faced backlash and condemnation for his handling of protesters during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Police have been accused by human rights observers and the media of using extreme force that led to the deaths of several protesters.
The police have also been accused of abductions and illegal detentions of protesters and social media users.
During his nomination, Koome said that he was worth KSh 89 million.
Koome made the revelation while appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments on Tuesday, November 8.
The committee comprising MPs from the minority and the majority side of the House is tasked with grilling nominees and determining their suitability for the role appointed.
