President William Ruto has nominated Eng. Japheth Koome Nchebere to the position of Inspector General of Police, Mr Koome takes over from former Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai who is proceeding on terminal leave because of existing medical conditions his contract was however set to end in six months.
In 2014, MPs changed the law to allow the President to handpick the Inspector General of Police. That’s how Mr Boinnet and Mutyambai were picked. President William Ruto used the same law to pick Japheth Koome as the next IG of police. Mr Mutyambai served as the IG of police for three years since his appointment by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in April 2019. He fell ill in August and was admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital. Mr Mutyambai replaced former Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. President Ruto acknowledged his resignation after talking to him on phone.
“I have after discussing with Mr Mutyambai and in consideration of his service to our nation and his health situation, accepted that he should proceed on terminal leave,” The Head of State said. Mr Koome is a former Nairobi County Police Commander and is currently serving as Commandant of the National Police Service College in Kiganjo.
