The new Inspector General (IG) of Police Japheth Koome Nchebere was sworn into office yesterday after his appointment by the President and vetting by the National Assembly.
The swearing-in was presided over by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya Martha Koome on Friday at the Supreme Court buildings.
Speaking during the occasion, Ms Koome said that the Inspector General’s appointment coincided with an exciting period for the justice sector, which was overseen by the National Council of Administration for Justice (NCAJ).
“The institutions and actors in the Kenyan justice sector have embraced principled cooperation and collaboration to ensure the efficiency of the criminal justice sector,” said Koome.
She urged the Inspector General to lead the Police Service in actively participating in initiatives aimed at reforming the criminal justice sector to strengthen and consolidate ongoing reforms meant to revive the criminal justice system’s effectiveness.
Ms Koome called on the Inspector General to champion the constitutional dream of “democratic policing” which is the dream for a police service that serves the people and upholds professionalism.
“Take this oath as a guide in your work and never depart from the law as it requires you to serve this country to the best of your abilities,” said Koome.
The new Inspector General of police promised to be faithful to the constitution.
The IG sent a stern warning to criminal gangs which have been terrorizing Kenyans by stealing, stabbing and shooting saying that their days are numbered and the police will catch up with them.
“We are also going to firmly deal with the cattle rustling menace which has been a major cause of insecurity in parts of the country,” he said.
He commended majority of the police officers for their professionalism in their work and noted few instances when they are allowed to use their firearms.
“A police officer is justified to use his firearm when his or her life is threatened, when protecting life or property, when a prisoner attempts to escape from prison and when a person attempts to help a prisoner escape from prison,” said the Inspector General.
He added that Kenyans have a responsibility to ensure that this country grows by observing the regulations in the constitution and that he will see to it that all criminals are dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Chairperson of the National Police Service Commission, Eliud Kinuthia said that the institution considers the welfare of police officers as they effectively serve the people of Kenya.
By Ella Elizabeth and Irene Mwende
