IG Kanja skips meeting with United Opposition leaders

By Newsflash Writer

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other senior National Police Service (NPS) officials on Monday, February 16, failed to meet the United Opposition leaders, who had sought an update on investigations into a church attack against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Patriotic Front), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya) and Gachagua (DCP), had visited NPS headquarters at Vigilance House in Nairobi to seek an audience with Kanja over the status of investigations into the January 25, 2026 attack in Othaya, Nyeri.

However, upon arrival, they found that the Inspector General and his deputies, Eliud Lagat and Gilbert Masengeli, were not in the office.

The visit came as a two-week ultimatum issued by the opposition for police to identify those behind the attack at ACK Witima Church expired on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Addressing journalists after the failed meeting, the leaders accused the police of neglecting their constitutional duty and vowed to return on Friday to demand answers.

Accuse police of defiance

Speaking to journalists, Kalonzo strongly criticised the police leadership for failing to honour their request for a progress report on the investigation.

“A few weeks ago, we issued a clear and firm demand to the Inspector General of Police: a full report on the violent attack at ACK Witima Church, and the arrest of those responsible. This was not a request. It was a constitutional obligation we called upon him to fulfill.

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Photo/Denish Ochieng’

Today, February 16, we returned to receive that report. The Inspector General of Police and his entire team FAILED to appear, despite formal notification. Their absence was not accidental, it was a calculated choice. It speaks to an institution that has chosen silence over accountability, and defiance over duty to the Kenyan people. It is a Kenyan institution, funded by taxpayers, that simply and unequivocally chooses to look the other way, to men and women who step on our Constitution.”

Kalonzo further alleged that the police leadership had deliberately avoided the meeting and accused the institution of shielding perpetrators behind violent incidents across the country.

“We know the Inspector General has received instructions not to avail himself. But let me be clear: no office, no uniform, and no political directive places anyone above the Constitution of Kenya. The continued refusal to act on the violent attack at ACK Giitima Church, and the escalating attacks across our nation, confirms a deliberate strategy to shield perpetrators and normalize impunity,” he said.

Rising State repression

The opposition leaders also linked the church attack to what they described as a growing trend of police brutality against opposition supporters and citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

Kalonzo cited Sunday’s incident in Kitengela, where leaders led by embattled ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna were reportedly teargassed during a peaceful rally.

“The violence has not stopped. Yesterday, leaders led by Senator Edwin Sifuna were teargassed while holding a peaceful rally in Kitengela. Two Kenyans lost their lives. Many others were injured. These were unarmed citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble. This is not policing: IT IS STATE-SPONSORED REPRESSION. Our national anthem declares that justice be our shield and defender, yet we witness justice denied and our people attacked for demanding their rights.”

He maintained that the police service must serve the public rather than political interests, adding that accountability was non-negotiable.

“Today, standing with the United Alternative Government, we reiterated our non-negotiable demand: accountability under the law. The police service exists to serve the people of Kenya, not to intimidate them. The law must apply equally to all. Service must be our earnest endeavour; service to the Constitution, service to the people, not service to Rutoship.”

Leaders vow to return

The opposition announced plans to return to the Inspector General’s office later in the week to demand the report, warning that continued inaction would trigger public mobilisation.

“We will return on Friday, February 20, 2026, or earlier if necessary, to receive the report that Kenyans deserve. If this impunity persists, we will return with the people of Kenya. This lawlessness will only be confronted by the collective action of citizens who refuse to surrender their democracy.

Let us, in common bond united, build this our nation together. Firm may we stand to defend our Constitution and our freedoms. Kenya must remain a nation governed by law, not by fear. Justice is not optional; it is our right.”

Wamalwa and Gachagua echoed Kalonzo’s remarks, insisting that the police must provide answers regarding the attack and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The leaders maintained that Kenyans deserved transparency and justice, particularly in matters involving political violence and public safety.