A joint committee of the Senate and the National Assembly has approved Japhet Koome to be Kenya's next Inspector General of Police.

Koome's approval, which took place on Wednesday, November 8, came just a day after he appeared before the committee for vetting.

Since the departure of his predecessor Hillary Mutyambai on September 13, the position has been under the stewardship of Noor Gabow who served in an acting capacity. 

Koome was nominated by President William Ruto on Tuesday, September 27 in accordance with the Constitution.

Incoming Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome appearing before a Parliamentary Committee on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. FILE

While appearing before the committee, the police boss defended his candidature for the top job arguing that he was qualified having served for 31 years and kept a clean record all through. 

He argued that Mutyambai, who resigned soon after President William Ruto took over the reins, had joined the service two years after him and had risen to the IG post after serving within the service for just 19 years.

He also maintained that he served in the police service longer than former Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti.

“The former DCI boss joined the service after me…The outgoing IG joined the service two years after me. At the time of his appointment, the former DCI boss had served 19 years yet I have served for 30 years. You can check my appraisals,” the former commandant said.

“Fellow officers are now excited that one of their own, who joined the service as a constable is today being vetted to be the Inspector-General,” he told the panel.

Koome, who is awaiting an approval by President William Ruto, also estimated his net worth to oscillate around the Ksh89 million.

He explained that he made the wealth from his salary as a police officer and his exploits as a passionate farmer who bought two truckers to assist him in his agricultural activities. 

"The land in my rural home is about seven acres. I have two plots of land within my rural home market centre.

"I also have a plot of land in Nairobi, and that is where I currently live, and two other plots in Kitengela, which I bought through Police Sacco," Koome explained.

He will rise to the top post from his role as the commandant of the National Police Service Training Campus in Kiganjo.

The former Inspector General of Police, Hilary Mutyambai (left), and the former DCI boss, George Kinoti. By Derrick Okumbasu, Kenyans.co.ke

FILE