Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to present evidence over claims that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja holds a fake university degree.
Murkomen spoke on Thursday at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, where he presided over the handover of the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Certificate to the Forensic Evidence Management Unit (FEMU) and launched the Multi Biometric Identification System (MBIS-ABIS Version 5).
Responding to Gachagua’s allegations, the Interior CS said anyone making serious accusations against a public officer should provide evidence instead of making public claims.
“If there is evidence, let it be presented through the right legal channels,” Murkomen said, adding that the rule of law must guide any allegations against state officers.
He defended Kanja, saying the Inspector General assumed office after going through the constitutional and legal appointment process.
Murkomen added that concerns over a public officer’s qualifications should be handled by the institutions mandated to investigate such matters.
The CS also warned political leaders against dragging the National Police Service into political battles, saying such remarks could erode public confidence in the country’s security agencies.
Murkomen’s remarks came as he unveiled the new Multi Biometric Identification System, which he said will reduce the processing time for Police Clearance Certificates from 14 days to just 24 hours.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the system has been rolled out across all 52 Huduma Centres and is part of the government’s efforts to modernise security agencies and improve service delivery.
He said linking the platform with other key government institutions will enable faster identity verification, real time intelligence sharing, strengthen the fight against crime and enhance cross border security cooperation.
Murkomen also witnessed the handover of the ANAB Certificate to the Forensic Evidence Management Unit, saying the accreditation positions Kenya as a regional leader in forensic science and aligns the country with global best practices.
His comments followed allegations by Gachagua that Inspector General Kanja does not possess genuine academic qualifications. However, the former deputy president did not publicly provide evidence to support the claims.
The exchange has sparked debate online, with supporters of both leaders taking opposing positions. While some Kenyans have called for investigations into the allegations, others have urged politicians to allow the relevant institutions to handle the matter.
Kanja was sworn in as Inspector General of Police in September 2024 after his nomination by President William Ruto and approval by the National Assembly.
