Busia senator Okiya Omtatah has filed a petition at the High Court seeking the removal of Douglas Kanja as Inspector General of Police.
Omtatah, a known constitutional activist, argues that President William Ruto's appointment of Kanja bypassed a competitive and transparent selection process, contrary to previous procedures used in appointing former police IGs.
Omtatah contends that Kanja's appointment relied on amendments to national security laws enacted in 2015, which he claims were passed without the Senate’s involvement. He is seeking to have these amendments recalled and argues that the laws used to appoint Kanja were unconstitutional.
The petition follows Kanja’s recent swearing-in on September 19, 2024, by Chief Justice Martha Koome. Kanja, who succeeded Japhet Koome, is now the fifth Inspector General of Police and will serve until 2028. Omtatah’s case could, however, disrupt his tenure if the court sides with the petitioners.
Kanja had earlier expressed his commitment to reforming the National Police Service and improving its accountability to the public. However, Omtatah’s legal action highlights concerns over how his appointment was conducted.
Read more about the petition on pulsenews.co.ke .
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