Former Chief Justice David Maraga has raised concerns over the implementation of recommendations made by the National Taskforce on Police Reforms, nearly three years after the report was handed to President William Ruto. Maraga, who led the taskforce, said several key recommendations have not been implemented, warning that the failure to undertake the proposed reforms has weakened accountability within Kenya’s security sector.
Speaking on Monday, Maraga questioned the continued tenure of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin, arguing that both officials have surpassed the statutory retirement age for public servants.
The United Green Movement Party (UGM) co-leader cited provisions of the Public Service Act, 2017, which set the retirement age at 60, with extensions allowed only in exceptional circumstances where an officer possesses rare skills that cannot easily be found within the service.
Maraga questioned whether Kanja and Amin met the requirements for such extensions and also raised concerns about the process through which they were appointed. He accused the government of failing to act on key recommendations contained in the police reforms report, arguing that some existing legal and institutional safeguards have been undermined.
The taskforce was established to examine legal, policy, administrative, institutional and operational challenges affecting the effective delivery of services by Kenya’s security institutions. It was also mandated to review the welfare and terms of service for security personnel.
Maraga further criticised the manner in which senior security officials are appointed, arguing that the process should be competitive, transparent and based on merit. He said amendments to security legislation had weakened safeguards surrounding appointments and called for fresh vetting of officers from the rank of senior superintendent of police.
The former Chief Justice also maintained that the appointment of senior security officials, including the DCI director, should not be solely controlled by the President. According to Maraga, failure to implement the recommended reforms has contributed to concerns over political interference and partisanship within security agencies.
He cited alleged cases of political violence and partisan policing in areas including Homa Bay and Ol Kalou, as well as incidents of violence reported in Kisumu, Nairobi and Witima. With Kenya preparing for the 2027 General Election, Maraga called for the full implementation of the taskforce recommendations, warning that continued failure to reform the security sector could have serious consequences. He further proposed a comprehensive restructuring of national security institutions, with recruitment and appointments conducted through fair, competitive and merit-based processes.
