Ruto makes changes to National Police Service following IG Japhet Koome’s resignation

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has resigned from his position.

In a statement released by the State Capitol, Ruto announced that he had accepted Koome’s resignation as Inspector General of the National Police Service to allow for a smooth handover of responsibilities in the management of the NPS.

“HIS EXCELLENCE Hon. William Samoei Ruto, Ph.D, CGH, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, has on 12th July 2024 accepted the resignation of Engr. Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as Inspector General of the National Police Service” read the statement.

To facilitate the transformation of the top management of the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), the Head of State and Government issued Executive Order No. 7 of 2024.

This implementing regulation introduces significant changes to the operations of the principal homeland security agencies.

President William Ruto chairs a meeting at the State Capitol on June 18, 2024.

New appointments and acting roles

Since then, the Head of State has made several changes to the top management of the National Police Service.

The President has appointed Mr. Patrick Mwiti Arandu as Commissioner General of Prisons. Mr. Arandu takes over from Brigadier (Retd.) John Wariob, CBS, who is on final leave until the end of his term.

Pending the nomination, parliamentary approval and appointment of a new Inspector General, the President has appointed Mr. Douglas Kanja, CBS, Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, as Acting Inspector General of the National Police Service.

Transfer and Acting Deputy Inspector General

President Ruto also transferred Noor Gabow to the Public Service, and the President, on the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission, appointed acting deputy inspectors general. The nominees are:

Mr. Eliud Langat as Acting Deputy Inspector General, Kenya Police Force.
Mr. James Kamau as Acting Deputy Inspector General, Police Service Administration.

Acting Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow

Changes in higher ranks

Further changes have been made to the senior ranks of the National Police Service. The National Security Council (NSC) noted the following changes:

Mr Ranson Lolmodooni is the new Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU).
Mr Gilbert Masengeli takes up the position of Commandant of the Police Administrative Training College (APTC) in Embakasi.
Mr. William Yiampoy has been appointed Director of Operations at Police Headquarters.
Mr Kainga Mathiu takes up the position of Commandant of the National Police Leadership Academy (NPSA) in Ngong.

Thanks to the outgoing Inspector General

The President expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Inspector General, noting, “His Excellency the President expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Inspector General of the National Police Service for the service he has rendered to the nation and conveyed his best wishes for success in all his future endeavours.”

Police IG Japheth Koome and APS Deputy Inspector General Noor Gabow meet at the Supreme Court building on February 13, 2023.

The announced changes to Kenya’s security agencies take immediate effect and mark a significant change in leadership.