Opposition threatens nationwide protests over IG Kanja ‘snub’

United Opposition leaders, led by DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala (3rd right), Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, DCP’s Rigathi Gachagua and DAP-Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa, walk to police headquarters at Jogoo House in Nairobi on Monday /DOUGALS OKIDDY

The United Opposition has threatened to roll out countrywide anti-government protests if Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja fails to meet them on Friday.

The mounting pressure comes just days after one person was shot dead after police disrupted a rallyorganised by ODM splinter group led by Edwin Sifuna.

The team, led by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua and his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka, say they are seeking an update on investigations into previous police-instigated attacks against them.

The warning follows a dramatic visit to Jogoo House on Monday, where opposition figures said they failed to find the police boss in office despite what they described as a prior agreement.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said they had formally written to the IG and issued an ultimatum.

“We left him a letter clearly indicating that we will go back there with the people on Friday,” Maanzo said.

The senator, a close ally of Kalonzo, warned that the opposition would unveil a nationwide protest schedule should Kanja fail to show up.

“We will issue a notice and a schedule of countrywide protests. That is what we will do,” he said.

Two weeks ago, the leaders held talks with the IG at his Jogoo House office and gave him 14 days to act and provide a progress report on Monday, failing which they would mobilise demonstrations.

Speaking after Monday’s visit to the police headquarters in Nairobi, the leaders accused the IG of failing to honour the meeting and of not sending any of his deputies

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said neither Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli nor DIG Eliud Lagat was present.

“We are here today, but the IG is not here. Not even DIG Lang’at is here. Not even DIG Masengeli is here. They have all taken off,” Eugene said.

“We believe this is from orders from above where they have been instructed not to engage us. But this is an issue of accountability, so we are not going to relent.”

The DAP-K boss said the opposition would return on Friday and expects Kanja to personally address their concerns.

“When we come, we expect no other than IG Kanja to be here. If he does not appear, we will keep coming here until we hold accountable all those officers who have conducted these gross violations of human rights,” he said.

The leaders claim the police have failed to investigate attacks they say targeted opposition figures during recent political activities.

They further alleged that the IG’s absence was influenced by directives from higher offices, pointing an accusing finger at President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Led by Gachagua, the opposition insists the matter is about police accountability and protection of political freedoms.

However, there was no immediate response from the National Police Service regarding the claims or the missed meeting.

The standoff now sets the stage for a possible fresh wave of protests, raising fears of renewed political tensions if the police leadership and opposition fail to find common ground.

INSTANT ANALYSIS:

The opposition has escalated its standoff with Inspector General Douglas Kanja, threatening nationwide protests over alleged failure to investigate attacks on its leaders and his absence from a scheduled meeting. Led by Rigathi Gachagua and Eugene Wamalwa, the coalition accuses the police of political bias and taking orders from the Executive. The row signals deepening mistrust between security agencies and the opposition, risks renewed street protests, and heightens political tension if accountability demands remain unmet.