MPs summon police IG Kanja over payroll and reform delays
Kanja had written to the Speaker seeking a 21-day deferment, arguing that the recent appointment of a new chairperson to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) required more time for consultations and a unified approach to the matters under review.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Implementation and Oversight of the Constitution (CIOC) has summoned Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to face lawmakers on September 16, 2025, after repeatedly deferring previous invitations.
During a press briefing at Bunge Towers on Tuesday, MPs expressed anger over the IG’s failure to appear before Parliament, saying the delays had crippled oversight of police reforms, including unresolved payroll disputes, recruitment concerns, and accountability issues within the National Police Service.
Committee chairperson Caroli Omondi said Kanja’s conduct undermined the authority of Parliament and risked entrenching a culture of impunity carried over from past police leadership.
“This will no longer be business as usual. It’s been 15 years since the promulgation of the Constitution, and police reforms still lag. Oversight is not optional,” Omondi said.
Kanja had written to the Speaker seeking a 21-day deferment, arguing that the recent appointment of a new chairperson to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) required more time for consultations and a unified approach to the matters under review.
But the committee rejected his request, with nominated MP Umulkher Harun condemning the late notice as disrespectful.
“The late communication by the IG is in itself an insult to the committee. It shows that as a committee, we are not taken seriously,” she said.
Kanja also asked that the session be held in camera, citing the “sensitive nature” of the issues. However, legislators dismissed the request, insisting that questions such as payroll management must be addressed publicly.
“This committee operates under the principles of transparency and public accountability,” Omondi said. “We will not allow critical matters of national interest to be shrouded in secrecy.”
Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya emphasised that time was running out.
“We do not have the luxury of time. This matter needs to be dealt with once and for all,” he said.
The committee has now directed that Kanja, alongside the NPSC, appear before Parliament on September 16 to give full answers on payroll problems and other pending concerns within the police service.
