Isaac Mwaura defends Kanja’s involvement in Ruto’s Mt Kenya tour amid criticism
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has defended Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja’s participation in President William Ruto’s development tour in the Mt Kenya region amid criticism.
In a statement on Friday, April 4, 2025, Mwaura emphasised that the president’s tour is not a political campaign but an initiative to engage directly with citizens and assess the government’s performance on the ground.
He clarified that during his address to local residents, Kanja focused solely on the president’s visit without delving into political party matters or competitive politics.
Mwaura further noted that the IG was performing his official duties, which include taking direct command of police operations when necessary, stating that the president is entitled to security coverage by the National Police Service (NPS), led by the IG.
“The president is not on a campaign tour. He is meeting the citizens who voted for him and getting first-hand information on how the government he heads is performing on the ground,” Mwaura said.
“The President is fully entitled to coverage by NPS, where the IG is the CEO, and when the IG addressed his villagers, he talked about Ruto’s visit, not about political parties or competitive politics.”
Mwaura further added that the IG was on duty and responsible for overseeing police operations as needed.
“The I.G. was fully on duty, and it is his responsibility to take direct command on any police duties/operations when he deems it necessary,” he added.
LSK on Kanja during Ruto’s tour
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) criticised Kanja for attending Ruto’s rally in Nyeri on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
The LSK says the presence of Kanja in the meeting raises institutional concerns, as the police must be seen to be impartial when it comes to political matters.
“From the onset, we must point out that the Inspector-General has a constitutional obligation to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation.We are apprehensive that the events in Nyeri yesterday amounted to a political gimmick, whose unintended effect may be the ostracisation of parts of the population that hold alternative political views from those advanced by Mr Kanja through his presence and remarks at yesterday’s rally,” a statement signed by LSK President Faith Odhiambo read.
“Such a situation is untenable and amounts to an inexcusable violation of the constitutional edicts that are incumbent upon the Inspector-General.”
LSK has also raised demands following Kanja’s appearance in Ruto’s meeting.
“In the circumstances, the Law Society of Kenya demands an immediate public apology by the Inspector-General for his conduct yesterday, which is unbecoming of the position he holds.
“We equally demand that Mr Kanja forthwith withdraw and restrain from engaging in any political mobilisation, rallies, and/or discourse, especially in his official capacity as the Inspector-General of Police. We believe that the Inspector-General’s work is cut out for him and is too demanding to allow such unpalatable sideshows, lapses in judgment, and misplaced priorities. We urge Mr Kanja to re-evaluate his tasks and do what is required of him by the law and the people of Kenya,” the statement demanded.
“In the alternative, 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.”
