Beleaguered Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome ( Photo Courtesy)
The manner in which police officers handled the recent anti-government protests by young protestors, has left Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome on the spotlight with many calling for his sacking.
In the protests that turned bloody, at least 41 Kenyans were killed with the police blamed for opening fire on the protestors. Dozens others were left injured.
Human rights groups have called on President William Ruto to fire the "rogue" Koome amid speculations that the Head of State could soon reorganize his government.
But should Ruto yield to the pressure to send the police chief home, who will succeed Koome?
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Administration Police Service wing, Noor Gabow is seen by many as the man who would fit into Koome's shoes.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the AP Noor Gabow ( Photo Courtesy)
A revered cop who is known for his no-nonsense approach to security issues, Gabow has been at the helm of the AP since his appointment in 2018 by the then President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He had previously served as the Kenya Police Training College- Kiganjo commandant.
In 2022, he was in-charge of Bomas of Kenya security which was the national tallying centre.
He is remembered for restoring order and security when the then Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Wafula Chebukati was about to announce the presidential election results.
Initially appointed to lead the Kenya Police operation mission in the troubled Haiti, Gabow has since been replaced by his deputy, Geoffrey Otunge.
But going forward, he is one man to watch. Is he the next police chief? Well, only time will tell.