Lawyer Wahome Thuku has weighed in on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s claims questioning the academic credentials of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho, dismissing the allegations as inconsequential.
In a social media statement, Thuku defended Kanja’s decades-long service in the National Police Service, arguing that his career progression speaks more to his competence than any late-stage scrutiny of academic qualifications.
“Kanja joined the Police Force in 1985 as a recruit police constable. That was the same year Kalonzo Musyoka entered Parliament, a whole 41 years ago,” Thuku stated, drawing a parallel between long-serving public figures.
The lawyer noted that Kanja’s appointment as Inspector General in 2024 by President William Samoei Ruto marked the peak of a career built over four decades.
He questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting it was illogical to challenge the police chief’s credentials at the tail end of his service.
“A man has worked non-stop for 41 years getting to the top of his career and only on the eve of his retirement his degree certificate becomes fake? Who cares?” Thuku posed, signaling his dismissal of the issue.
The remarks come in response to Gachagua’s recent claims that IG Kanja holds a “fake” degree certificate, an allegation that has sparked debate in political and public circles.
Gachagua, who has been increasingly critical of state institutions since his exit from government, did not provide documentary evidence to support his assertions.
Thuku’s comments reflect a broader section of opinion that views the controversy as politically motivated rather than substantive.
However, the issue has also raised questions among observers about transparency and vetting processes for senior public officials.