The Roots Party of Kenya has proposed a radical shift in the structure of the National Police Service, advocating for senior officers to be selected through public elections.
Party leader Prof. George Wajackoyah , who has declared his candidacy for the presidency in 2027, stated that should his party take power, sub-county police commanders (OCPDs) would be chosen through a voting process involving local communities. Roots Party Leader Prof. George Wajackoyah advocates for a public election process to select senior police officers in Kenya.
He insists that only officers with clean records and strong reputations should be considered for these roles.
Their selection would begin with the National Police Service nominating suitable candidates, who would then undergo vetting by a county-level recruitment board or commission.
Once vetted, their names would be presented to the public for a final vote.
Wajackoyah cites the United States as an example, where sheriffs and county attorneys are elected by the people.
He argues that a similar model in Kenya would strengthen accountability within the police force. "Their names should be made public within two weeks so that citizens can evaluate their suitability," he explained. Following this period of public review, the approved candidates would compete in an election process that he described as necessary for promoting transparency and good governance.
Wajackoyah, known for his academic credentials and outspoken political stance, stated that this approach would ensure senior law enforcement officers operate with direct accountability to the people. "Many jurisdictions are moving toward public participation in law enforcement leadership. Electing county police heads and judges is a step toward a more engaged community. In the US, county sheriffs are chosen through elections," he contended. He pointed out that in the US, sheriff elections occur every three years, allowing communities to regularly evaluate their performance.
For Kenya, he believes such a system would push police bosses to deliver better services while eliminating cases of corruption and misuse of power. "City judges are also selected through elections. Just recently in Wisconsin, the Democratic candidate won a judicial race against their Republican opponent," he remarked. He added that replicating this system in Kenya would bring much-needed change to the way police leadership is structured.
His proposal comes at a time when a heated debate is unfolding over the involvement of law enforcement in political affairs, with particular focus on the role of the National Police Service (NPS) in maintaining impartiality during politically charged events.
This issue gained further attention when Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja found himself at the centre of controversy following his appearance at a presidential function in Nyeri County, where he addressed the public during President William Ruto’s ongoing tour of the region.
Kanja's presence at the event, where he delivered remarks while accompanying Ruto, raised concerns among critics who questioned the perceived neutrality of the police in light of its leadership’s active participation in political rallies.
The Inspector General's actions have been seen as a direct challenge to the long-standing expectation that the police remain politically neutral and refrain from engaging in partisan activities, especially during election periods.
His involvement has spurred discussions across various sectors of society, including legal bodies, political analysts, and citizens, many of whom argue that such actions may compromise the integrity of the police force and its mandate to serve all citizens fairly.
This controversy coincides with President Ruto’s week-long tour of the Mt. Kenya region, a visit widely interpreted by political analysts as an effort to consolidate his support base and ensure continued political dominance in the region.
The tour has gained even greater significance in light of the recent developments within the political landscape, particularly following the Senate’s impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The move to impeach Gachagua, a powerful figure in Kenyan politics and a prominent member of Ruto’s political faction, has left a noticeable power vacuum, which the president is keen to address by rallying support in key areas.
The region, known as the political heartland of Kenya, holds immense significance for Ruto's administration, and his presence there has been seen as a strategic measure to reinforce his political standing in the wake of Gachagua’s fallout.
It is noteworthy that both Gachagua and Kanja hail from Nyeri County, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
Their shared background has brought increased scrutiny to Kanja’s role in the political dynamics of the region, particularly in light of the ongoing political rivalry and shifting alliances.
As such, Kanja’s actions are viewed not only through the lens of his responsibilities as the head of the National Police Service but also in the context of the delicate political landscape that has emerged following Gachagua’s impeachment.
This intersection of law enforcement and politics has raised questions about the balance of power and influence within the country’s security sector and its potential ramifications on future political developments.