Police Inspector General nominee Douglas Kanja has revealed plans of protecting all government offices at all costs during protests if approved by Parliament. 

Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Thursday August 15, 2024, Kanja explained that State offices are protected areas that should not be trespassed by anyone. 

He noted that it was wrong for anti-Finance Bill protesters to access parliament on June 25, 2024.

“If approved I will do what it takes to ensure that parliament is safe,” said Kanja. 

“If the police used excessive force during protests, then we can also begin a probe. I will also ensure that police act in accordance with the law,” he added.

The IG nominee told the committee that he has always done his duties by following the constitution of Kenya, especially chapter 10 of the constitution.

About banditry in the North Rift region, Kanja stated that he will work with other stakeholders to clear out bandits in the affected counties.

“Matters disarmament, we will work with all stakeholders to ensure all illegal firearms are dealt with,” he said.

At the same time, he defended the police service, emphasizing that extra judicial Killing is unlawful and the training to police officers does not entail that.

Kanja explained that the public order act guides officers on demonstrations but if there was excessive use of force, relevant bodies like IPOA should enforce law.

When asked about police deployment to Haiti, he said Kenya has so far deployed around 600 officers to the Caribbean nation.

He added that the Haiti deployment was done as per multinational laws, adding that the Kenyan police officers are doing a good job in Haiti.

Concerning allegations of corruption linked to police officers, he explained that the fight against corruption can be successful if all stakeholders are involved. 

He added that if appointed, he will work in conjunction with the EACC to come up with a framework to deal with graft.