Douglas Kanja Kirocho is the current Inspector General (IG) of Kenya’s National Police Service (NPS), appointed in September 2024 by President William Ruto. A career police officer with nearly four decades of service, Kanja has risen through the ranks from a Police Constable in 1985 to the highest law enforcement position in the country.
His tenure, however, has been marked by controversies, including questions about his academic qualifications, age, and his handling of high-profile cases such as the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
This article delves into Kanja’s biography, covering his education, career milestones, family, and the recent controversy surrounding Albert Ojwang’s death.
Early Life and Education
Douglas Kanja was born in 1973 (though some reports suggest he may be older, raising retirement age concerns). His exact birthplace is not widely documented, but he hails from Mathira Constituency, the same region as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Chief of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri.
Academic Background
Kanja’s educational qualifications have been a subject of debate. During his vetting for the Deputy Inspector-General position, he initially claimed he did not hold a degree.
However, when applying for the IG role, he presented a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) degree from the defunct Inoorero University—a claim that raised eyebrows given his previous statement.
Despite the scrutiny, his extensive police training—both locally and internationally—has been cited as compensating for any academic gaps.
Career Journey: From Constable to Inspector General
Douglas Kanja career is a classic example of rising through the ranks:
- 1985: Joined the police service as a Recruit Constable.
- Key Promotions: Progressed through roles such as Police Corporal, Inspector, Superintendent, and Commissioner before reaching senior leadership.
- Notable Positions:
- Commandant, General Service Unit (GSU) (2018-2023) – Led elite units like the Recce Squad during the DusitD2 terror attack.
- Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) Commandant 1.
- Deputy Inspector General (2023-2024) before ascending to IG.
His leadership has been tested in high-stakes operations, including Operation Rejesha Amani (Isiolo/Marsabit) and Operation Fagia Msitu (Boni Forest).
Controversies and Challenges
1. Age and Retirement Questions
At 61 years old (as of 2024), Kanja’s appointment sparked debates over Kenya’s mandatory retirement age of 60 for public servants. However, the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) argued that as a State Officer, he was exempt from this rule.
2. Albert Ojwang’s Death and the Fallout
One of the most damaging controversies of Douglas Kanja’s tenure has been the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
What Happened?
- Ojwang, a 31-year-old digital creator, was arrested in Homa Bay over a social media post critical of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat.
- He was transferred 350km to Nairobi’s Central Police Station, where he allegedly “hit his head on a cell wall”—a claim police initially stood by.
Autopsy Contradicts Police Claims
A state-led autopsy revealed:
- Severe head injuries, neck compression, and multiple bruises—consistent with assault, not suicide.
- CCTV footage at the station was tampered with, raising suspicions of a cover-up.
Kanja’s Response
- Initially, Douglas Kanja defended the suicide narrative but later apologized after public and Senate pressure.
- He blamed junior officers for the misleading report and vowed disciplinary action.
- However, senators criticized his deflection of responsibility, with some accusing him of protecting his deputies.
The case remains under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), but public trust in Kanja’s leadership has been severely dented.
Personal Life and Family
Details about Kanja’s family are scant, but he is known to be a private individual. His rise alongside other Mathira leaders (Gachagua, Kahariri) has led to claims of regional favoritism.
Conclusion
Douglas Kanja’s career is a testament to resilience, rising from a constable to Kenya’s top cop. However, his leadership is now under intense scrutiny—from academic inconsistencies to the Ojwang custody death scandal.
Whether he can restore public trust in the police service remains to be seen, but his handling of ongoing investigations will define his legacy.
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