Japhet Koome’s Final Words While Handing Over To Douglas Kanja
On Friday, July 12, former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome praised the National Police Service (NPS) following his resignation.
Speaking at the NPS headquarters this afternoon, Koome expressed gratitude to the service for its support throughout his tenure.
“During the brief handing over ceremony held at NPS headquarters this afternoon, the outgoing IG Koome expressed his profound gratitude to the National Police Service Officers for the support they accorded him while he was in office and added that Kenya is a beautiful country and bigger than all of us,” read part of the police statement.
Koome resigned after weeks of Kenyans and opposition leaders calling on President William Ruto to fire him.
President Ruto revealed that he accepted his resignation and made additional appointments.
President @WilliamsRuto effects changes within the Senior Ranks of the National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Service following the resignation of I.G Eng. Japhet Koome. pic.twitter.com/rau0YvB4Jw
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) July 12, 2024
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was one of the parties calling for the resignation of the police chief, citing incompetence.
The ODM, through Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, urged President Ruto on Friday to dismiss Koome and the Nairobi Regional Police Commander.
According to the party, the two are responsible for the deaths and injuries that occurred during recent protests in the city and across the country.
The party also demanded the arrest of all police officers involved in the murders.
Koome resigned just hours after this demand and will be replaced by Douglas Kanja, the National Police Service’s Deputy Inspector General.
President Ruto also transferred Noor Gabow to the Public Service and appointed Patrick Mwiti as Commissioner General of Prisons.
The Head of State nominated Koome in September 2022 to succeed Hillary Mutyambai, who served in the previous administration.
The former IG’s resignation came a day after Ruto fired his entire cabinet following weeks of protests.
Japhet Koome’s Final Words While Handing Over To Douglas Kanja
