IG nominee Douglas Kanja promises to streamline police service
Approval hearing for the IG of police nominee Mr Douglas Kanja by a joint commitee of the Senate and National Assembly National security committees on August 15, 2024. Courtesy photo
Douglas Kanja, the nominee for Inspector General (IG) of Police, has shared his plan to improve security in the North Rift region.
Speaking to the joint Senate and National Assembly committees on Administration and Internal Security, Mr Kanja discussed the ongoing challenges, including the rise of cattle rustling, which has become a serious problem.
He noted that the government has made efforts to improve security in the region, such as paving the Lokichogio road, which has helped police respond more quickly to incidents.
However, he emphasized that solving the region's problems will take both short-term and long-term interventions.
"Cattle rustling has become a business, making it hard to get back stolen animals," Mr Kanja explained.
He suggested that the police should work closely with other groups like the Ministry of Agriculture, and use technology to track stolen animals.
We can use devices that the animals swallow, which will allow us to track them even if they are taken to Nairobi," he said, stressing that solving the problem will require more than just police action.
Mr Kanja also mentioned that efforts to disrupt cattle rustling activities have made some progress but warned that "a huge investment" is needed to continue these efforts.
When asked about police shootings during protests, he stated firmly, "Extra-judicial killings are illegal in our country," addressing concerns about police behaviour in recent Gen Z-led demonstrations.
He said police need to wear uniform during their various operations.
Mr Kanja was nominated by President William Ruto after former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome resigned.
If confirmed, he will be responsible for leading the police force through challenging times for security and orderliness across the country.
