Major Police Shake-Up as Lagat Names New Traffic Boss, Regional Commanders

A major reshuffle within the National Police Service has seen several senior officers redeployed, with Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi appointed as the new Traffic Commandant. Mwanthi replaces Dr. Frederick Ochieng, who has been recalled to police headquarters at Vigilance House. 

The changes were announced by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operations within the service.

In the same changes, Central Regional Police Commander, Jasper Ombati, was also recalled to headquarters, with Railway Police boss Geoffrey Maiyek taking over the position.

Senior officer John Chebii, who recently returned from the Haiti mission and had been based at the General Service Unit (GSU), has been appointed the new Eastern Regional Police Commander (RPC). He replaces Hillary Birgen, who has also been recalled to headquarters.

Meanwhile, Wilberforce Sicharani has been named the new Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, taking over from Mwanthi.

Police officials indicated that the transfers are routine and aimed at enhancing efficiency, particularly as the country prepares for upcoming elections.

“These changes are normal and are intended to strengthen operations in key areas,” a senior officer said, adding that more adjustments are expected in the coming days.

The police reshuffle comes shortly after the government announced a parallel administrative reorganisation affecting Regional Commissioners (RCs) and County Commissioners across the country.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the changes are aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening coordination of national government functions.

“The transfers have taken into consideration the strengths and experience of the officers as we address various security and service delivery concerns,” Murkomen said.

In the new appointments, Rhoda Onyancha was transferred from Coast to Nairobi as Regional Commissioner, while former Meru County Commissioner Jacob Muganda was promoted to Eastern Regional Commissioner, replacing Paul Rotich, who moves to the Coast.

Kakamega County Commissioner Onesmus Musyoki Kyatha was elevated to head the Nyanza Region, while Allan Machari was deployed to the Western Region from the Office of the President.

Several Regional Commissioners, including Joseph Nkanatha (Central), John Otieno (North Eastern), and Abdi Hassan (Rift Valley), retained their positions.

At the county level, five County Commissioners, Gideon Nyandiricha Oyagi (Trans Nzoia), David Kipkosgei Kiprop (Isiolo), Josephine Auma Ouko (Machakos), David Simiyu Wanyonyi (Kilifi) and Joseph Mwangi Wamuti (Tana River), were recalled to the Office of the President in Nairobi.

The reshuffle also saw multiple transfers across counties, particularly in areas considered critical for national security. Joseph Kibet Boen was moved from Kiambu to Kilifi, Stephen Kutwa Sangolo from Baringo to Lamu and Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru from Kericho to Tana River.

Further changes include John Kiprotich Cheruiyot’s transfer from Samburu to Meru, Mwachaunga Mohamed Chaunga from Kisii to Machakos and Shufaa Omar Mwijuma from Nyamira to Kirinyaga.

New deployments were also made in regions facing persistent security and cross-border challenges, with Jackson Ngelai Olechuta posted to Garissa, Stanley Ndungu Kamande to Marsabit, George Odhiambo Omolo to Isiolo and Isaac Keter Cheruiyot to Samburu.

Murkomen defended the reshuffle, noting that the officers selected for new roles had demonstrated strong performance in previous assignments.

“Those promoted and redeployed have shown exemplary service, and we are confident they will deliver in their new roles,” he said.

The latest changes signal a broader government effort to realign both security and administrative leadership structures as the country heads toward the next electoral cycle.