GACHAGUA CLAIMS IG KANJA HAS FAKE ACADEMIC PAPERS, CITES RUTO
Speaking during an exclusive interview on KTN News on Tuesday, July 22, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto privately informed him that Kanja lacked genuine academic papers, a situation he claimed made the Inspector General vulnerable to political influence.
“IG Kanja, his degree certificate is fake, and I can tell you as a matter of fact… I know that because the President told me himself that this man will do what I want because he didn’t have papers,” Gachagua alleged during the interview.
“It was even challenged, and then the President organised for him to get some fake papers,” Gachagua claimed.
The allegations were made without the former Deputy President presenting documentary evidence to support the claims during the interview.
According to Gachagua, the Inspector General remains in office because resigning would allegedly expose him to political consequences, while remaining in office leaves him vulnerable to carrying responsibility for controversial decisions made by the government.
He further alleged that Kanja was being retained in the position so that accountability for contentious actions within the National Police Service could ultimately be directed at him.
The claims come nearly two years after Parliament approved Douglas Kanja as Kenya’s Inspector General of Police following a public vetting process conducted by the National Assembly.
During the vetting exercise in August 2024, Kanja submitted the documents required under the Constitution and relevant laws governing appointments to senior public office.
After reviewing his qualifications, professional record and responses during the vetting process, Members of Parliament approved his nomination, paving the way for his appointment and subsequent swearing-in as head of the National Police Service in September 2024.
Neither State House nor Inspector General Kanja had publicly responded to Gachagua’s latest allegations by the time of publication.
However, Gachagua did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations during the interview.
The death of Albert Ojwang’ has remained a matter of public interest, with investigations by relevant authorities continuing as calls for accountability persist from civil society groups, political leaders and members of the public.
Gachagua’s latest remarks add to the increasingly strained relationship between the former Deputy President and President Ruto, who have traded public accusations since their political fallout. In recent months, Gachagua has repeatedly criticised the administration over governance, security, the economy and alleged abuse of state institutions, while government officials have defended their record and dismissed several of his claims.
The allegations also emerge at a time when Kenya’s security agencies remain under heightened public scrutiny over issues of accountability, professionalism and independence.
As of publication, there has been no official confirmation from any government agency supporting Gachagua’s claims regarding Inspector General Kanja’s academic qualifications. The allegations therefore remain unverified, and no investigative authority has publicly announced inquiries into the matter.’
Should State House, the National Police Service or other relevant institutions issue responses, the developments are expected to further shape the ongoing public debate surrounding the country’s security leadership and the integrity of appointments to senior public office.
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GACHAGUA CLAIMS IG KANJA HAS FAKE ACADEMIC PAPERS, CITES RUTO
