National Police Service Leadership Offers Condolences

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is mourning the death of his father, Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja, who passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 85. The news of Mzee Kanja's demise became public on Monday, October 20, 2025, prompting an outpouring of condolences from senior government officials and the wider police fraternity.

Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin visited IG Kanja's home on Monday evening, October 20, 2025, to convey his sympathies and sign a condolence book. In a statement, the DCI expressed solidarity with the Inspector General and his family, describing the loss as a difficult time and assuring them of the DCI's full support.

Burial Arrangements Underway in Laikipia

Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja is scheduled to be laid to rest on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the family home in Thome Village, Matanya Sub-Location, Tigithi Location, Laikipia County. The cause of Mzee Kanja's death has not been publicly disclosed.

Mzee Kanja was a patriarch survived by his children, including Millicent Gathigia, Grace Mumbi, Alice Hiuko, Jane Wanjira, Naomi Wanjiru, Racheal Nyaguthii, Beatrice Wakiuru, Margaret Murugi, George Mathenge, Winfred Muthoni, Charity Wamuyu, and Inspector General Douglas Kanja. He was married to Jedidah Wanjiku and Catherine Wanjiku.

Context of National Mourning

The passing of Mzee Kanja comes as the nation is still observing a period of mourning following the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, Siaya County. IG Kanja was among the dignitaries who paid their respects during the viewing of the former Prime Minister's body at Parliament Buildings.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja's Background

Douglas Kanja Kirocho assumed office as Kenya's fifth Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) under the 2010 Constitution on Thursday, September 19, 2024. His appointment by President William Ruto was unanimously confirmed by the Kenyan Parliament after a vetting process.

Kanja's career in law enforcement spans nearly four decades, having joined the Kenya Police Service in 1985 as a recruit police constable. He has held various significant leadership roles, including Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service and Commandant of the General Service Unit (GSU) for five years. Other positions include Deputy Commandant of the General Service Unit, County Police Commander of Kilifi, and Deputy Commandant of the Kenya Airports Police Unit.

Evidence/Data Box

• Deceased: Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja
• Date of Death: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
• Age: 85 years
• Burial Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
• Burial Location: Thome Village, Matanya Sub-Location, Tigithi Location, Laikipia County
• Inspector General of Police: Douglas Kanja Kirocho (Appointed September 19, 2024)

Unanswered Questions

The specific cause of Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja's death has not been publicly disclosed.

What to Watch

The National Police Service and other government officials are expected to attend the burial ceremony in Laikipia County on Thursday, October 23, 2025, to pay their final respects to Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja.