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Nairobi protests: 6 activists arrested as they demand IG Kanja’s resignation
17th August, 2026 03:01 PM
Six social activists have been arrested in Nairobi after staging a protest demanding the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
The activists were arrested on Monday afternoon, August 17, 2026, while demonstrating against what they described as police brutality and the failure of the National Police Service to protect Kenyans.
They were later taken to Central Police Station in Nairobi.
Led by activist Julius Kamau, the protesters had pitched camp outside Kanja’s office in Jogoo House, where Kamau chained himself to the gates of the offices in an attempt to draw attention to their demands.
Demand for Kanja’s resignation
The protesters called for Kanja’s immediate resignation, accusing the police leadership of failing to control what they described as rogue elements within the service.
They also criticised the handling of cases involving abductions and killings, arguing that the IG should take responsibility for what they consider failures within the National Police Service.
During the protest, the activists used mock coffins as a symbolic gesture to highlight deaths and police brutality.
The demonstrators called for greater accountability from the police leadership as they condemned what they described as excessive use of force by officers.
Activists on police brutality
Additionally, the arrested activists, during the protest, also raised concerns over what they described as increasing cases of violence and alleged abductions, calling for action to address the issues.
Their demonstration comes amid continued public debate over police conduct during protests and calls for greater accountability among security agencies.
The handling of protests in Nairobi has previously attracted legal scrutiny. In February 2025, the High Court quashed an earlier directive by IG Kanja restricting demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District, ruling that the directive was unconstitutional.
The latest protest also comes amid a series of demonstrations and arrests involving activists in Nairobi.
In July, police arrested activists who attempted to stage a Saba Saba demonstration outside the Office of the President along Harambee Avenue.
In June, Katiba Institute sued IG Kanja and the National Police Service over alleged failure to comply with court orders relating to police barricades during protests.
The six activists remain at Central Police Station as questions remain over whether they will face charges following the demonstration.
