Kenyan Police Chief Japheth Koome Resigns Amid Protest Controversy
Nairobi, Kenya – July 12, 2024: Kenyan Police Inspector-General Japheth Koome has resigned following weeks of intense protests where security forces have been accused of using lethal force against unarmed demonstrators. The resignation comes amidst mounting pressure from both local and international communities demanding accountability and justice for the victims.
In a statement released earlier today, Koome announced his resignation, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I step down from my position as Inspector-General of Police. The recent events and the loss of innocent lives during protests have deeply affected me. I believe it is in the best interest of the country and the police service for me to resign and allow for new leadership to take charge.”
The protests, which have rocked various parts of the country, were initially sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024. However, they quickly escalated into a broader movement against police brutality and government policies. Human rights organizations have documented numerous instances where security forces allegedly opened fire on unarmed protesters, leading to several fatalities and injuries.
President William Ruto, addressing the nation shortly after Koome’s resignation, expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and reiterated his commitment to justice and reform within the police service. “I want to assure all Kenyans that the government will not tolerate any form of brutality or excessive force by our security forces. We will conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents and hold those responsible accountable,” Ruto said.
In the wake of Koome’s resignation, President Ruto has named his deputy, Douglas Kanja, as the acting Inspector-General of Police. Kanja, who has served as Koome’s deputy for the past two years, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the police force. “I have full confidence in Douglas Kanja’s ability to lead the police service during this critical time. His experience and dedication to upholding the rule of law will be invaluable as we work to restore public trust in our security forces,” Ruto added.
The appointment of Kanja has been met with cautious optimism by some civil society groups and political leaders. They emphasize the need for comprehensive police reforms and greater accountability mechanisms to prevent future incidents of police violence. “While we welcome the change in leadership, it is crucial that the new Inspector-General addresses the root causes of police brutality and implements meaningful reforms,” said George Kegoro, a prominent human rights advocate.
As the country navigates this turbulent period, the focus now shifts to how the new leadership will handle the ongoing protests and the broader calls for justice and reform. The coming days will be critical in determining the direction of Kenya’s policing policies and the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and democratic principles.
