Drama as Activists Protest Outside Jogoo House, Demand IG Kanja’s Resignation

Drama as Activists Protest Outside Jogoo House, Demand IG Kanja’s Resignation

Drama unfolded outside Jogoo House in Nairobi on Monday, August 17, as activists staged protests demanding the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over alleged police brutality, deaths in custody and concerns about the conduct of security agencies.

The protesters, led by activist Julius Kamau, gathered outside the police headquarters to demand greater accountability within the National Police Service (NPS).

Kamau attracted attention after chaining himself to the gates of Jogoo House as demonstrators called for action over cases they linked to alleged police misconduct.

Footage from the scene showed Kamau chained to the entrance as a heated confrontation developed between him and police officers.

The protesters sought to address the media and outline their demands, but police moved to disperse the group. By the time of publication, six activists had reportedly been arrested.

The circumstances surrounding the arrests remained unclear, and the National Police Service had not issued an immediate statement explaining the action.

Activists Raise Homa Bay Concerns

The protest came a day after violence was reported in Homa Bay County during a planned Linda Mwananchi political rally.

The activists linked the Homa Bay chaos to broader concerns about policing, public safety and the protection of citizens during political gatherings.

Armed youths were reported to have disrupted the Linda Mwananchi convoy, with several people, including journalists, reportedly attacked during the unrest.

At least one person was also reported dead, although investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident were ongoing.

The protesters argued that the latest developments should prompt independent investigations into alleged police failures and cases involving citizens who have reportedly been abducted or detained.

They also raised concerns about deaths in custody and alleged enforced disappearances involving young Kenyans, including people associated with the Gen-Z protests.

Pressure Mounts on Police Chief

Calls for Kanja to resign are not new.

The Inspector General has faced criticism over several incidents involving alleged police brutality and claims that security agencies failed to protect citizens during politically sensitive events.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called for Kanja’s resignation in July following violence reported during the Ol Kalou by-election in Nyeri County.

The former deputy president accused the police leadership of failing to adequately protect voters and journalists during the disputed election period.

However, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended Kanja, saying the police chief continued to enjoy public confidence.

Kanja also faced calls to step down in April following the reported assault of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu.

Western Kenya lawmakers, led by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, called for Kanja to be summoned before Parliament and challenged him to resign if he could not guarantee the safety of Kenyans.

Calls for Police Accountability

The Monday protest brought several longstanding concerns into focus, including alleged police brutality, deaths in custody, abductions, political violence and the handling of public demonstrations.

The activists said they wanted security agencies to operate within the law and ensure that citizens could exercise their constitutional rights without fear.

The demands also come as the country enters an increasingly active political period ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition and government-aligned groups holding rallies in different parts of the country.

Police have repeatedly been urged to remain professional and impartial when managing political gatherings.

The National Police Service has also warned politicians, organisers and supporters against inciting violence, while directing officers deployed to public events to exercise restraint and protect peaceful assembly.

As investigations into recent incidents continue, attention is now focused on whether the government will respond to the activists’ demands and whether the reported arrests outside Jogoo House will trigger further debate over police accountability.

At the time of publication, the NPS had not publicly responded to the protesters’ demands or confirmed the reported arrest of the six activists.

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Drama as Activists Protest Outside Jogoo House, Demand IG Kanja’s Resignation