In a dramatic turn of events, Kenya’s police chief Japhet Koome resigned on Friday, just a day after President William Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet. Koome’s resignation comes amid intense criticism of the police’s conduct during recent anti-government protests, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 39 people.
The president’s office announced Koome’s resignation, stating that Deputy Inspector-General Douglas Kanja has been appointed as the acting police chief with immediate effect. This move follows President Ruto’s decision on Thursday to dismiss his entire cabinet, including the attorney general, in an apparent attempt to address the escalating protests.
However, the president exempted the prime cabinet secretary and foreign minister, Musalia Mudavadi, and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from the reshuffle.
The protests in Kenya began three weeks ago, sparked by the passing of a finance bill that increased taxes. The unrest escalated on June 25th when protesters stormed into parliament. Beyond the financial bill, the protests have evolved into calls for President Ruto’s resignation.
The reshuffle of the cabinet and the resignation of the police chief are seen as attempts to pacify the protesters and potentially mitigate the ongoing unrest. The situation remains tense, and it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to quell the ongoing protests.
