Top police commanders have gathered in Nairobi for their final day of meetings to address security issues. This marks the first occasion for commanders from the Kenya Police, Administration Police Service, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations to meet the acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli. The meeting, convened at the National Police Campus in Embakasi on Tuesday, August 6, aims to familiarize the commanders with Masengeli, who also serves as the Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service.
Regional Police Commanders from all services are participating in the meeting. Masengeli, along with his counterpart Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat and DCI Mohamed Amin, met with the regional police bosses on Monday to review their performance ahead of the Embakasi meeting. Similarly, Commissioner General of Kenya Prisons Patrick Aranduh held a meeting with his commanders on Monday.
According to insiders, these meetings are intended to evaluate their performance over the past two months, considered one of the most challenging periods due to nationwide anti-government protests. The discussions also covered preparations for another planned protest on August 8, posing a test for the police commanders amid criticism of their handling of previous protests. Over 60 people were killed, and dozens are missing, with allegations of abductions by state agents.
The Embakasi meeting will also address proposed reforms in the National Police, prisons, and National Youth Service amidst financial constraints. Officials have highlighted over 170 proposed reforms requiring Sh108 billion for implementation.
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The process of appointing a new Inspector General is underway, following the resignation of Japhet Koome on July 12. President Ruto has nominated Douglas Kanja as the IG nominee. The new police leadership assumes their roles during a period of significant challenges, including joblessness and rising crime.
The role of the Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service involves commanding, controlling, and administering the service under the direction of the Inspector General. The Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service is responsible for leading the Administration Police Service under the IG's direction and control.
The new Commissioner General of Prisons, an internal appointee, also faces numerous challenges within the service. Prison personnel have expressed grievances over being excluded from recent police salary increments, despite previous promises. However, Aranduh assured the meeting on Monday that the funds would be disbursed this month.
