A joint committee of the Senate and the National Assembly has confirmed Japhet Koome as Kenya’s next Inspector General of Police.
Koome’s approval came just a day after he appeared before the committee for vetting on Wednesday, November 8.
Since his predecessor Hillary Mutyambai’s departure on September 13, the position has been held by Noor Gabow, who has served in an acting capacity.
President William Ruto nominated Koome on Tuesday, September 27 in accordance with the Constitution.
During his appearance before the committee, the police chief defended his candidacy for the top job, claiming that he was qualified because he had served for 31 years with a clean record.
He claimed Mutyambai, who resigned shortly after President William Ruto took over, had joined the service two years after him and had risen to the position of Inspector General after only 19 years of service.
He also claimed to have been a police officer for longer than former Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti.
Koome, who is awaiting President William Ruto’s approval, also estimated his net worth to be around Ksh89 million.
He will be promoted from his current position as commandant of the National Police Service Training Campus in Kiganjo.
