Activists Stage Drama Outside Jogoo House, Demand Resignation Of IG Douglas Kanja

Protests erupted outside Jogoo House in Nairobi on Monday, August 17, 2026, as civil rights activists demanded the immediate resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over alleged police brutality, enforced disappearances, and deaths in custody.

Led by activist Julius Kamau, the demonstrators pitched camp outside the Ministry of Interior offices. Kamau chained himself to the main entrance gates in a bid to draw attention to their grievances, leading to a heated confrontation with law enforcement officers.

Arrests and Key Demands

Police officers moved swiftly to clear the gate and prevent the activists from addressing members of the press:

Six activists were arrested outside the building as security officers broke up the media briefing and removed the chained protesters.

The demonstrators called for independent investigations into recent cases of extrajudicial abductions, particularly those targeting Gen Z protesters, alongside deaths in custody.

The activists also demanded accountability for the political violence witnessed in Homa Bay on Sunday, where armed youths attacked a political convoy, assaulted journalists, and left one person dead, raising sharp questions about the adequacy of the police response.

Growing Pressure on the Police Inspector General

Monday’s demonstration reflects mounting political and civil pressure on IG Douglas Kanja, whose tenure has been marked by repeated calls from political figures and human rights groups to step down:

Calls for Kanja’s resignation escalated following violence in Ol Kalou, Nyeri County, where voters and journalists were assaulted. While critics demanded his departure, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen defended the Inspector General, affirming that he retained government confidence.

Western Kenya lawmakers led by Butere MP Tindi Mwale demanded Kanja’s resignation or parliamentary summoning following the assault on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu.

By press time, the National Police Service had not issued an official statement regarding the Jogoo House protests or the detention of the six activists.