Kenya police boss resigns amidst new protest wave

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Kenyan Police Chief, Japhet Koome, on Friday has tendered his resignation to President Ruto amidst the new form of protests against police brutality.

The protest which was first triggered by a proposed financial bill on tax hike started 18 June.

The demonstration was stimulated by higher percentage of Kenya youths categorized as the GEN-Z.

However, the peaceful protests took a violent turn when a number of demonstrators breached police barricades and stormed the precincts of parliament which led to the deaths of 39 people as reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human rights on 26 June.

The protesters since then have come out in larger numbers seeking the resignation of President Ruto who believes the protests has been hijacked by criminals.

President Williams Ruto bow to pressure , announced Koome’s resignation the day after dissolving nearly his entire cabinet on Thursday.

A statement stated Ruto has “accepted the resignation” of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, who has served in the role since November 2022.

Ruto also dismissed his the Attorney-General and all cabinet ministers, except Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as part of his effort to placate the young protesters.

The Presidency has announced Koome’s deputy, Douglas Kanja as the acting police chief.