The Dangerous Consequences of Political Loyalty: A Lesson from Kenyan History

 

 Many Kenyans are still in shock over the comments made by Police Inspector General Japheth Koome. His words have been difficult to digest, and many are struggling to explain them. However, there is a simple explanation for his statements that, while it may not ease the pain of those who have lost loved ones to police brutality, at least clears up some of the mystery behind his actions. The sad truth is that the Inspector General of Police, who is supposed to provide safety and security to Kenyans, has revealed a dangerous political bias that could have severe consequences.

First, it’s important to understand that a Police Inspector General should be cautious in their public statements. The public entrusts their safety to the police force, and the Inspector General is supposed to inspire confidence in the police's ability to protect citizens and uphold the law. When the Police Chief makes false statements, it undermines that trust and signals that the country is in serious trouble.

There’s a little-known fact that many overlook, but which should be obvious to anyone paying attention: William Ruto’s close associates and allies often speak the same way, think the same way, and act the same way. It’s not hard to notice, and this tendency has deep roots in Kenya’s political history. In fact, when we examine the comments from the Inspector General, it becomes clear that he is deeply involved in Kenya’s political scene. His statement about the bodies being hired and planted by outsiders is more likely intended to defend the police against international scrutiny, particularly from the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has been investigating police brutality in Kenya.

The timing of Koome's comments further exposes the political motives behind them. His remarks came out of nowhere and seemed aimed more at external audiences than the Kenyan public. It is a desperate defense of the police at a time when evidence of police brutality is mounting. For Kenyans who have lost family members to police violence, hearing such comments feels like an insult, almost inciting more anger. For those who didn’t lose anyone personally, the outrage is still palpable, and the public is left with a sense of deep mistrust.

Koome's statement could be seen as a “Hail Mary”—a last-ditch effort to salvage the reputation of the police, even when the evidence against them is overwhelming. Azimio, Raila Odinga’s political faction, has been meticulous in gathering evidence of police misconduct, even before the investigations began. This carefully collected evidence tells a completely different story from the one the Inspector General has tried to sell.

Instead of organizing protests, Azimio leaders have been focused on supporting the families of victims of police brutality, attending funerals, and collecting testimonies. This approach provides undeniable proof to the international community that the Inspector General's claims are false. If this were a court case, a judge would immediately conclude that the false excuses offered by the police side only point to one thing: they are guilty.

History offers a crucial lesson here. Past police commissioners who became too close to politics have not ended well. The example of Ben Gethi, a former police commissioner during the Jomo Kenyatta administration, illustrates the dangers of aligning too closely with political power. Gethi’s involvement in the assassination of Tom Boya and his eventual downfall serves as a warning to Koome and others who think their political loyalty will protect them. Similarly, former Police Commissioner Philip Kiloso, who was involved in covering up political crimes, also met a tragic end after being too closely tied to the political establishment.

The lesson is clear: when you align yourself too closely with a government, it’s only a matter of time before you become dispensable. The same government that you think will protect you will discard you when it no longer needs you. This is especially true for those in the police force, who are meant to remain neutral and focused on their duties, not entangled in political battles.

Sadly, many Kenyans dismiss history as irrelevant, but the truth is, history repeats itself. Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat its mistakes. By studying history, we can predict future outcomes without the need for prophecy. The current situation with the police and politics is a classic case of history repeating itself, and unless we learn from these lessons, we are bound to face the same consequences.