The Senate floor was a battleground this morning as senators sharply criticized Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, calling for his immediate resignation amid allegations of incompetence and failure to lead the Kenya Police Service effectively.
In a session marked by intense debate and impassioned speeches, Senator Enoch Wambua launched a scathing attack on IG Koome, accusing him of being incapable of ensuring peace and security in the country.
“Talking about incompetence and lack of capacity, the Inspector General of Police is the embodiment of lack of capacity to lead the Kenya Police Service. Mr Koome must leave office immediately for this country to enjoy peace and tranquility,” Wambua declared.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed Wambua’s sentiments, expressing deep concern over the IG’s silence in the face of ongoing violence and unrest.
“On the issue of police, Kenyans have lost their lives, they’ve been beaten, there have been challenges, the police have faced also very difficult and hostile gangs on the street. I am yet to hear the voice of the Inspector General. I am deeply troubled by that, it cannot be right. How can we face such a crisis up to this particular point, I don’t know what the IG thinks, I don’t know what is the challenge. The question at the back of my mind, is this really the right man for this job?” Cheruiyot questioned.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, Senator Samson Cherargei criticized the lack of communication from the police leadership.
“Ordinarily, it shouldn’t be the President responding to all these issues, especially on regular security. I would have expected even the police spokesperson. In fact, the only time the Inspector General of Police has responded is when he saw allocations of fatalities in a hit. He sent a statement,” Cherargei noted.
The senators’ remarks come in the wake of widespread protests and civil unrest triggered by the controversial Finance Bill proposed by President William Ruto. The unrest has led to violent clashes between protesters and police, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Critics argue that the police response has been heavy-handed and uncoordinated, further fueling public anger.
In a statement on Monday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 39 people have died and 361 have been injured during the countrywide anti-Finance Bill protests.
The Commission noted that this data was collected from June 18 to July 1, 2024. KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede stated that postmortem examinations for most of the victims have yet to be conducted.
The chairperson expressed concern that the demonstrations, which began peacefully on the first day, turned chaotic on June 25.
According to KNCHR, the deceased victims are from Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (1), Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), and Nandi (1).
Odede also reported 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 arrests of protestors.
The Senate’s demands for accountability and change in the police leadership are likely to intensify the political pressure on President Ruto’s government.
