The County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) has welcomed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s commitment that the National Police Service (NPS) is ready to support Parliament in executing its oversight mandate.

The Committee praised the Inspector General’s assertion that no public officer is above the law, noting that the pledge strengthens accountability in the management of public resources. Mr Kanja assured members that the NPS is prepared to partner with Parliament to ensure that cases involving misuse of public funds are thoroughly investigated and that those found culpable are prosecuted.

Mr Kanja appeared before the Committee to discuss how the two institutions can collaborate in the interest of the Kenyan people.

“We appreciate the commitment you have given to partner with this Committee, and to a large extent Parliament,” Senator Moses Kajwang told the Inspector General during the session. He added that the NPS remains Parliament’s key partner in enforcing compliance with summonses issued to witnesses.

Senator Okongo Omogeni supported the move, saying it would strengthen integrity and promote constitutionalism, adding that accountability forms the foundation of the rule of law.

“I am impressed when you say no public officer is above the law. This means we must develop a strong working relationship with the NPS,” Senator Omogeni said.

The Committee invited the Inspector General to share insights on enforcing its recommendations in line with Article 125 of the Constitution. The provision grants Parliament and its committees powers similar to those of the High Court, including summoning witnesses and requiring the production of documents.

CPAC has issued summonses to Samburu Governor Lelelit Lati and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and has requested the Inspector General to facilitate their appearance before the Committee.

During the meeting, Mr Kanja reaffirmed the authority granted under Article 125, stating that the NPS is obligated to assist Parliament where individuals fail to comply with summonses.

“In instances where they refuse to comply, the NPS, under the direction of the Committee, is always ready to arrest and present them before the Committee as requested,” he said.

The Inspector General indicated that the Service is prepared to arrest the two governors if formally directed, adding that the Committee must issue clear instructions on when and where they should be presented.

He further assured members that the NPS would provide security to the Committee during Senate sittings and field visits to counties.

“NPS is ready to comply with the Committee by providing information and reports relevant to its mandate, including details of investigations whenever requested,” he added.

Senator Kajwang called for a professional and structured relationship between the two institutions, proposing regular review meetings to track progress on matters referred to the police.

“We can have quarterly meetings where the NPS appraises the Committee on the progress of all matters referred to it,” he said, while also requesting that the Inspector General designate a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer to serve as a liaison to the Committee.

In response, the Inspector General directed the Director of Legal Services at the National Police Service to engage the Committee and work out the modalities of the proposed partnership.