NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 4 – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims of a parallel command structure within the National Police Service, insisting that all police units operate under the authority of Inspector-General Douglas Kanja.

📻 Breaking It Down

His defence of the police comes amid renewed public concern over abductions in Kenya, with the latest case involving Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, who was forcibly taken by armed men near Nakuru before being found hours later in Masinga, more than 200 kilometres away.

Dashcam footage of the incident showed masked men forcing him from his vehicle.

The incident has revived questions over the conduct and accountability of security agencies, particularly as human rights organisations continue to document cases of abductions and enforced disappearances.

📌 What You Need to Know

On Friday, however, Murkomen rejected suggestions that some police units operate outside the formal chain of command.

“Those who are suggesting that there are units in the NPS that operate outside the command of the IG are false propagandists,” he said.

The CS said the Government remained committed to protecting the independence of the National Police Service from external interference while supporting reforms intended to improve its effectiveness and professionalism.

“We will continue to support the independence of the NPS from any external interference,” he said.

His remarks come against a backdrop of mounting scrutiny of the police over alleged abductions and disappearances, particularly following the 2024 anti-government protests.

Human Rights Watch has previously reported allegations that plain-clothes security officers were involved in abducting and forcibly disappearing protesters and social media activists. The organisation has also raised questions about the involvement of various security formations in such cases.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya