Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has resigned.

His resignation was announced by statehouse spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

“His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D., 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,” read part of the statement.

Deputy-Inspector General Douglas Kanja will serve as acting IG.

President William Ruto has also appointed Eliud Langat as Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and James Kamau as Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.

Koome, who was nominated by Ruto in September 2022, previously held positions as Nairobi County Police Commander and Commandant of the National Police Service College. His career in law enforcement spans several roles, including Officer Commanding at Central Police in Nairobi.

The Inspector General’s Office was created under Kenya’s 2010 constitution, with David Kimaiyo as the first appointee.

More to follow…