Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has rejected claims that some police units operate outside the authority of Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Murkomen said the Inspector-General remains firmly in charge of the National Police Service and has the constitutional responsibility to oversee its operations.
He made the remarks on Friday, September 4, 2026, during the passing-out ceremony of Administration Police Service recruits at the National Police College in Embakasi, Nairobi. President William Ruto presided over the ceremony.
The Interior CS described claims of a parallel command structure within the police service as false propaganda.
Murkomen said the Inspector-General has authority over key police operations, including investigations, deployments and promotions.
He explained that the Interior Ministry provides policy direction in writing, while the day-to-day running of the National Police Service remains the responsibility of the Inspector-General.
Murkomen also expressed confidence in Kanja’s leadership and said the government remains committed to protecting the police service from outside interference.
The CS further highlighted ongoing reforms within the National Police Service. He said the government is implementing recommendations from the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, which was led by former Chief Justice David Maraga.
The reforms include changes to police training, with greater focus on human rights, constitutionalism and the rule of law.
The government has also increased attention to police welfare, including medical services, housing and salaries.
Murkomen said the basic salary of police constables has increased by 36 per cent under a three-phase salary review.
Technology has also been introduced into police operations through systems such as multi-biometric identification, e-Citizen police-hire services and the digital occurrence book.
The ceremony also marked the graduation of 5,080 Administration Police Service constables after nine months of training.
The new officers are expected to help address staff shortages while strengthening efforts against banditry and terrorism and improving border security.
President Ruto urged the recruits to use their authority responsibly, reminding them that their powers come from the Constitution and the Kenyan people.