The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to either offer a public apology or resign after he was spotted attending a political rally hosted by President William Ruto on Wednesday, April 2.
According to LSK President Faith Odhiambo, Kanja committed a significant blunder by attending the rally, arguing that he acted unconstitutionally by failing to remain impartial.
"We invite Mr. Kanja to step aside from the position of Inspector-General and allow the role to be occupied by an individual willing to serve all Kenyans without imposing their political biases on the people of Kenya," Odhiambo demanded.
LSK criticized IG Kanja's presence and comments at the politically charged event, stating that they compromised the impartiality of the police service and potentially alienated parts of the Kenyan population with differing political opinions.
According to Odhiambo, Kanja's office, which is established under Article 245(1) of the Constitution, forbids him from engaging in actions that show bias, including attending a political rally.
"The Inspector General is constitutionally required to act impartially and is exempt from acting at the whims of any person or advancing any purpose that does not reflect the Constitutional principles of National Security. Kanja's decision to attend and address a political rally was a lapse in judgment, a violation for which he must bear the full consequences of the law," the lawyer stated.
LSK has described Kanja's move in Nyeri as a political gimmick and demanded he either issue a public apology or resign, leaving the position to a neutral individual.
The society further demanded that Kanja refrain from engaging in any political mobilization, rallies, or discourse, both now and in the future, in his capacity as IG of police.
On Wednesday, the Police IG joined President Ruto during his Mt. Kenya tour and took the opportunity to address the masses. While at the rally, the IG assured Kenyans that the police service remains committed to upholding law and order without fear or favor, emphasizing that the police will serve all Kenyans equally, regardless of their political affiliations.
"Our focus is on ensuring the safety and security of every citizen in this country," the IG said during the tour.
The president is on a developmental tour in the Mt Kenya region, a tour expected to end on Friday after five days of interaction with the people from the mountain.
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