Aladwa rallies Nairobi MPs behind IG Kanja, dismisses Gachagua's claims

Makadara MP and Nairobi ODM chairman George Aladwa has led a group of Nairobi legislators in defending Police IG Douglas Kanja against attacks by politicians.

 The leaders dismissed allegations made against the police boss by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as "false and baseless."

 Gachagua had allegedly questioned Kanja’s academic and professional credentials to man the country’s security.

 In a statement, Aladwa said Kanja had demonstrated professionalism and competence since assuming office, arguing that the National Police Service had made significant gains in improving security across the country.

 "We wish to come out and defend IG Kanja over claims made by Gachagua. The claims are false and baseless," Aladwa said.

 The ODM county chairman described Kanja as a career police officer who had earned his position through years of service, saying his leadership had strengthened the professionalism of the National Police Service.

 "Kanja is a seasoned police officer who has risen through the ranks to be where he is. Under his leadership, he has steered the service to be professional," Aladwa said.

 He further credited the police chief with improving the country's security, saying crime had reduced under his watch.

 "Crime has dropped significantly. From terrorism to robberies and murder, all is well and under control," he added.

 Aladwa said Nairobi MPs fully supported the Inspector General and urged political leaders to allow the National Police Service to carry out its constitutional mandate without interference.

 "We stand firmly behind him and the service," he said.

 The legislators maintained that the police should remain independent and focused on protecting Kenyans rather than being drawn into political disputes.

 The statement comes amid an intensifying war of words between Gachagua and senior government officials over the country's security situation and the conduct of the police service.

 Gachagua has in recent weeks mounted sustained criticism of the security leadership, accusing sections of the police of failing in their constitutional responsibilities and raising concerns over the handling of political activities.

 “IG Kanja, you seem not to get it; the command of the National Police Service has completely gone to Kipchumba Murkomen, Raymond Omollo and rogue politicians allied to William Ruto," Gachagua had said before the Ol Kalou by-election.

 "The security challenge in Ol Kalou and across Kenya isn't too much about the goons but the plainclothes rogue police officers outside of your command,” he added.

 His remarks have triggered sharp responses from leaders allied to both the government and the opposition, with some defending the Inspector General's leadership while others have called for greater accountability within the security sector.

 As Inspector General, Kanja is mandated by the constitution to exercise independent command over the National Police Service and oversee the maintenance of law and order across the country.

 His tenure has been marked by efforts to strengthen policing, tackle violent crime and enhance coordination among security agencies.

 However, the service has also faced scrutiny from human rights groups and political leaders over its handling of public demonstrations and enforcement operations.

 INSTANT ANALYSIS

 The statement highlights how policing has become increasingly intertwined with Kenya's political contestation ahead of the 2027 General Election. By publicly backing Inspector General Douglas Kanja, George Aladwa and Nairobi ODM MPs seek to counter criticism from Rigathi Gachagua while projecting confidence in the security apparatus. The exchange underscores the growing rivalry between political leaders, with security and law enforcement emerging as key battlegrounds in the country's evolving political discourse.