Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura/FILE


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Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has added his voice to the debate surrounding the move by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to attend President William Ruto’s even in Nyeri.

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In a statement to newsrooms Friday, Mwaura reaffirmed the position of the National Police Service, insisting that Kanja was fully on duty.

“It is his responsibility to take direct command on any police duties or operation when he deems it necessary,” he said.

According to the spokesperson, the President is fully entitled to coverage by NPS where the IG is the CEO.

Mwaura said when the IG addressed the people, “he confined himself about Ruto’s visit and not about political parties or competitive politics.”

Commenting about the President’s Mt Kenya tour, Mwaura reminded critics that this was not a campaign but rather a meet-the-people tour to understand their needs.

“The President is not on a campaign tour. He is meeting the citizens who voted him and getting first-hand information on how the government he heads is performing on the ground,” he stressed.

On Thursday, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo called out the IG after he was spotted at the event.

Odhiambo said Kanja’s participation and remarks at a rally in Kieni, Nyeri, raised worries for the National Police Service.

Odhiambo said the IG has a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation.

The NPS, however, refuted the claims and reaffirmed the IG’s unwavering commitment to constitutional impartiality in serving all Kenyans, devoid of political bias.

"At no time has the IG engaged in activities that could undermine the neutrality of his office," NPS said in a statement through spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

NPS said the IG’s presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including oversight of security arrangements during the President’s development tour, a core mandate of the NPS under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011 and the NPS Standing Orders Chapter 7, Section 8.

“The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General of Police,” NPS police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.