The National Police Service (NPS) has announced sweeping leadership changes at a time when the country’s security agencies are under intense scrutiny over alleged human rights violations.

Adamson Bungei, who oversaw Nairobi’s security during the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests last June, has been recalled to police headquarters as the new Director of Operations. Taking over his role as Nairobi Regional Police Commander is George Sedah, previously the Coast Regional Commander.

Resila Onyango, the police Spokesperson, has been appointed Commandant of the Diplomatic Police Unit. She has been replaced by Michael Nyaga Muchiri, the former Kiambu Police Commander.

“Dr. Resila has been lukewarm. She adopted a reserved, almost colonial-style approach, limiting her interactions with the media and the public,” says George Musamali, a security analyst.

Chris Otieno, a global risk analyst, says the changes reflect both the administration priorities and public feedback on police performance.

“You make changes quickly, informed by advisory input and your own experience in overseeing the police service. These adjustments aim to ensure the right personnel are in place to achieve the administration objectives,” says Otieno.

Otieno adds that the role of police spokesperson requires proactive engagement with the public, particularly during crises.

“The administration might have expected a stronger presence from the spokesperson to articulate the force position and build public trust during contentious moments,” he notes.

Bungei, replaces William Yiampoy, whose next assignment remains unclear.

Bungei’s transfer comes barely a month after he was grilled over the mishandling of anti-femicide protests in December.

During the demonstration, Amnesty International Director Irungu Houghton was arrested alongside other protesters, drawing widespread criticism. Bungei and 59 other officers were later questioned by the NPS Internal Affairs Unit on the matter.

“Nairobi has experienced significant challenges, and Bungei’s handling of these issues likely informed his transfer,” observes Otieno.

Sedah’s replacement at the Coast is Ali Nuno, formerly Kwale County Police Commander. Nuno’s promotion is expected to bring fresh energy to tackling Mombasa’s notorious gang-related crimes, a longstanding issue in the coastal region.