NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 31 – Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has called for enhanced collaboration between the National Police Service (NPS) and political leaders to ensure prompt, lawful, and effective handling of security incidents.
Speaking after meeting with opposition leaders at his office, Kanja stressed the importance of maximum cooperation between politicians and the police to guarantee efficient investigations and timely follow-up whenever incidents occur.
He highlighted that both parties had agreed all incidents must be officially reported and recorded in accordance with the law.
“The engagement marked a positive step toward strengthening trust and communication between the police and political leaders,” Kanja said, noting that he looked forward to open, constructive collaboration and feedback in the future.
In a statement, Kanja said he met the opposition leadership at his office, where he received a petition from the leaders and assured them it would be reviewed carefully and in line with the law.
“The IG reiterated the Service’s position of political neutrality and its commitment to serve all Kenyans equally and without fear or favour. Moreover, he reminded the leaders of their obligation to ensure police were alerted to any meetings or visits to any part of the country for the purpose of enhancing security coverage,”he noted.
The IG, who was flanked by his deputies Eliud Lagat of the Kenya Police Service and Gilbert Masengeli of the Administration Police Service, said the meeting underscored the need for closer cooperation between political actors and the police to enhance national security.
Also present were Senior Assistant Inspector General John Onyango, representing the Director of Criminal Investigations, alongside senior officers from NPS headquarters.
The opposition delegation was led by Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and included Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and Democratic Action Party–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Also in attendance were Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala.
Opposition leaders had threatened to launch nationwide demonstrations if police officers allegedly involved in a violent attack at ACK St. Peter’s Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, are not arrested and charged.
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua said the opposition delivered a stern message to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, demanding swift action against the officers accused of targeting worshippers during the Sunday service on January 25.
Speaking at a public participation exercise at Wakulima Market, Gachagua was joined by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi.
“We have told the Inspector General that those police officers should be arrested and taken to court. If no action is taken by February 16, we will call for demonstrations across Kenya,” Gachagua said.
He described the incident as more than a breach of public order, alleging it was an assassination attempt against him. Gachagua claimed a covert police unit, dubbed “Police Sierra”, was sent from Nairobi to target him during the church service, where tear gas was reportedly lobbed and vehicles, including his own, vandalized.
“These police officers have betrayed Kenyans. Instead of protecting the public, they are harming the public,” Gachagua asserted.
Musyoka warned the National Police Service against intimidating or harming opposition leaders, emphasizing that such actions will not be tolerated.
“The protests will span from Mandera to Kisumu. Kenyans will not be the same again if these rogue officers continue attacking us,” Musyoka said.
Gachagua further threatened that the demonstrations would demand not only the arrest of the alleged officers but also the removal of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, IG Kanja, and the Deputy Inspectors General of Police from office.
