DCI boss George Kinoti among candidates considered for Inspector General position after Joseph Boinnet's term comes to an end

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Kinoi is in the running to become Kenya's next Inspector General of Police, sources have conveyed.

With IG Joseph Boinnet's term nearing its close, sources have revealed that seven candidates, among them Mr Kinoti, are being considered as possible successors.

"Already, speculation is rife. Officers are already anxious about the appointment of a new IG.

DCI boss George Kinoti with IG Joseph Boinnet at the DCI headquarters (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

"We are not sure who is likely to be appointed, but several factors are expected to come into play, including the 2022 elections and regional balance,” a senior superintendent of police told Daily Nation.

Top 7 candidates for Inspector General position

Others said to be top contenders for the position are Deputy Inspector General Edward Mbugua, his Administration Police counterpart Noor Gabow, Former National Counter Terrorism Centre Director Isaac Ochieng, General Service Unit Commandant Douglas Kanja, Director of Corporate Communications Charles Owino and the Police Training Cllege Commandant Kingóri Mwangi.

Police Spokesman Charles Owino said to be one of the 7 candidates being considered for Inspector General post (Twitter) Pulse Live Kenya

Analysts have, however, revealed that the DCI boss may not be selected for the position due to ongoing crackdown on corrupt individuals in government.

IG Boinnet took over after David Kimaiyo resigned from the position and was lauded as being an "extremely dedicated professional with an impressive personality" by outgoing NPSC Chair Johnstone Kavulundi.

"To me, his biggest achieving is creating of cohesion between the Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service, which had for years been engaged in bitter rivalry.

“He created four specialized units out of the Administration Police Service. He placed all officers who were not deployed to the units under general duty. They are now working like the other Kenya Police officers. They even have similar uniforms,” one officer said of IG Joseph Boinnet.

Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet Pulse Live Kenya

The candidate appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta will further be vetted by the National Police Service Commission, a fresh team that is yet to be vetted and approved by Parliament.

This week, President Kenyatta forwarded the name of Eliud Kinuthia to take up the position of NPSC chair along with five others who are to constitute the membership of the commission.