Douglas Kanja: Kenyans should stop confusing arrests with abductions
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, now says that the Constitution of Kenya does not support any form of abduction, but only legitimate arrests.
Speaking during a round-table interview with media stations in Wajir after the Jukwaa La Usalama tour on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, Kanja insisted that police can only conduct legal arrests and nothing else.
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He emphasised that legitimate arrests occur when an individual is suspected of committing an offence and that officers are required to take them to a court of law to answer for any charges.
Kanja urged Kenyans to differentiate between unlawful abductions and lawful arrests conducted under the law.
“I just want to add something very little on what has been said by the DCI and CS. There is no policy for abduction, but police conduct legitimate arrests where someone has committed an offence,” Kanja said.
“If it is established to be true, then we (police officers) are expected to take you to a court of law so that you can answer.”
He acknowledged that while most police officers serve with integrity, there are a few who engage in criminal activities.
Kanja cited cases such as Maseno, where eight police officers stole a car, and the Kiambu case, where three officers have been arrested for alleged criminal involvement.
Moreover, Kanja explained that such instances of misconduct are exceptions rather than the rule.
He assured Kenyans that officers found guilty of crimes are promptly held accountable through arrest, prosecution, and dismissal from the National Police Service when necessary.
Police accountability
All the same, Kanja called on communities to support law enforcement by reporting both crime and any unethical conduct among officers.
This comes after Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He said transparency and accountability are key in maintaining public confidence in the police.
Additionally, he praised the majority of officers who continue to protect citizens and uphold the law.
Kanja concluded by reiterating that the Constitution safeguards the rights of all Kenyans, and the police will always operate within legal frameworks to enforce justice.
