The simmering cold war between Parliament and the National Police Service (NPS) has exploded into open conflict, with the Senate summoning Inspector General Douglas Kanja to answer for "contemptuous" defiance.

In a move that tests the constitutional limits of civilian oversight, the Senate Standing Committee on National Security has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the police boss. The summons follows IG Kanja’s repeated failure to appear before the committee to address critical rot within the service, including the paralysis at the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) and allegations of rampant payroll fraud.

The Charges Sheet

Committee Chairperson Senator Moses Kajwang’ did not mince words, accusing the IG of operating as a law unto himself. "The police must understand they do not operate under a different constitutional order," Kajwang’ thundered from the precincts of Parliament.

• NPSC Dysfunction: The Commission is reportedly unable to transact business due to a lack of quorum, stalling promotions and disciplinary cases for thousands of officers.
• The Reforms Mirage: Despite promises of modernization, the long-awaited police reforms remain a paper tiger, with officers complaining of poor housing and stalled benefits.
• Impunity: The IG's refusal to honor invitations is seen as a direct affront to Article 125 of the Constitution, which grants Parliament the powers of the High Court to summon witnesses.

A History of Friction

This is not the first time the office of the IG has clashed with the legislature. However, the stakes in 2026 are higher. With the security sector absorbing billions in the budget, MPs are under pressure to show value for money. The "sovereignty" often claimed by the uniformed services is colliding head-on with the "accountability" demanded by the elected representatives.

If IG Kanja ignores this summons, he risks being declared a hostile witness, a designation that could precipitate a constitutional crisis and potentially grounds for removal. The clock is ticking.