Inspector General Douglas Kanja during an event in Keringet, Nakuru on July 25, 2026/MINA
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned politicians against using government-assigned VIP security officers for unlawful or political activities, saying officers found acting outside the law risk immediate withdrawal and disciplinary action.
Kanja said security personnel assigned to protect state officers and other entitled leaders must strictly perform their duties within the law.
He cautioned that the National Police Service would not hesitate to withdraw officers from any VIP found misusing them.
"Our leaders who have been assigned government security officers should know that if I find those officers being misused, I, as the Inspector General, will withdraw them immediately," Kanja said in Keringet, Nakuru County, Saturday.
The Inspector General also issued a warning directly to officers serving in VIP protection units, reminding them that they remain accountable to the law regardless of who they are assigned to protect.
"All officers attached to VIP protection must perform their duties in accordance with the law. Any officer who acts outside the law will face the full force of disciplinary action," he said.
Kanja spoke while accompanying Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during a security tour of Keringet, where the government announced a raft of measures to tackle drug trafficking, organised crime and land-related disputes.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity across the country, with leaders increasingly holding public rallies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Inspector General did not mention any politician by name but stressed that police officers must remain professional, impartial and independent in executing their constitutional mandate.
He said security personnel are deployed to protect lives and property and should never be used to intimidate members of the public or advance political interests.
Kanja assured Kenyans that the National Police Service would continue enforcing the law without fear or favour and would take action against officers who violate service regulations.
During the visit, Murkomen ordered the transfer of all officers stationed at Keringet Police Station as part of a renewed crackdown on drug and substance abuse in the area.
The Cabinet Secretary also announced the deployment of 20 new police officers, a special anti-drug operations team and an additional police vehicle to strengthen security in the area.
Kanja said the anti-drug operation would be led by Rift Valley Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi until the illegal drug trade is dismantled.
He called on residents to work closely with security agencies by reporting criminal activities and pledged that police would continue protecting communities while upholding the rule of law.
The Inspector General said professionalism and adherence to the law remain the guiding principles of the National Police Service, adding that no officer would be allowed to compromise the integrity of the service regardless of the status of the individuals they are assigned to protect.
