In a decisive move to restore public trust and curb mounting cases of police misconduct, Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja has directed the immediate suspension of officers on duty whenever a suspect dies in police custody.
Addressing regional police commanders at the National Police Leadership Academy, IG Kanja expressed deep concern over recent tragic incidents that have severely tarnished the image of the National Police Service (NPS). Under the new directive, the desk officer managing the Occurrence Book (O.B.), the cell guard, and the officer-in-charge during the incident will face automatic suspension pending formal investigations.
“For any death occurring in police cells, the officer recording the O.B., the cell guard, and the duty officer must be suspended immediately, pending an investigation into the circumstances. As commanders, you must ensure this directive is strictly enforced,” Kanja stated.
The firm directive follows a string of troubling custodial fatalities and fatal police actions across the country. Gideon Makau passed away mysteriously at Kilungu Police Station just hours after his arrest and booking, while Eric Otieno died 24 hours after being booked at Muthaiga Police Station following an alleged assault in custody. Meanwhile, three police officers have been linked to the fatal shooting of Dr. Victoria Mutiso on July 29.
Kanja issued a stern warning to supervisory leadership, emphasizing that regional commanders will face disciplinary measures if they fail to reign in rogue officers under their command or take responsibility for equipment assigned to their teams. He emphasized that every commander and direct supervisor must account for their officers at all times and take full responsibility for the equipment held by personnel during their duties.
Echoing these sentiments, Gilbert Masengeli, the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service, warned commanders that lax oversight will no longer be tolerated. He cautioned that if crime escalates in a commander’s area of responsibility, that officer will be the first to be questioned, framing the directive as a clear warning against negligent leadership.
Addressing growing public concern over organized crime ahead of the 2027 General Election, IG Kanja instructed commanders to dismantle criminal gangs aggressively.
He warned that any commander who fails to curb gang activity in their jurisdiction faces severe disciplinary action, including demotion, adding that he expects regular returns detailing all gang members arrested in their respective areas.
The high-level meeting also served as an orientation for the newly established Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit. Led by a designated commandant, this specialized unit will deploy over 2,500 officers combined from the National Police Service and the Nairobi County Inspectorate to bolster security operations and restore order across the capital.
