Protests Erupt Outside IG Kanja’s Office as Activists Demand Accountability

Nairobi, Kenya | August 17, 2026

Activists staged a protest outside the office of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja at Jogoo House in Nairobi on Monday, demanding greater accountability over alleged cases of police brutality, abductions and deaths in police custody.

The protesters, led by activist Julius Kamau, carried placards and white mock coffins bearing messages calling for justice and accountability. Some demonstrators also carried crosses as they called for an end to alleged abuses by security officers.

At one point, Kamau reportedly chained himself to the gate of Jogoo House as the demonstrators pressed their demands. Police officers later moved in to disperse the protesters, with six activists reportedly arrested during the operation.

The demonstrators accused the National Police Service of failing to adequately protect Kenyans and demanded investigations into alleged killings, disappearances and other abuses involving police officers.

The protest comes shortly after IG Kanja directed that officers on duty when a detainee dies in a police cell should face immediate suspension pending investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

The demonstration has renewed debate over police accountability, human rights and the treatment of suspects in custody, with activists calling for stronger oversight and greater transparency in cases involving alleged police abuses. The National Police Service had not issued a detailed response to the protesters' allegations at the time of publication.