The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to institute criminal proceedings against police officers implicated in recent killings, warning that it will pursue private prosecutions if no action is taken.
The human rights body has also demanded the immediate resignation of Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, citing what it describes as systemic abuse and entrenched impunity within the police service.
In a press statement released on February 10, 2026, KHRC condemned the fatal shooting of Sheryl Adhiambo, a first-year student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), who was killed by police officers on February 7 in Huruma, Nairobi.
The organisation said her death is the latest in a disturbing pattern of police brutality recorded since the start of the year.
“Sheryl Adhiambo is the latest victim of police brutality in the country,” KHRC said, adding that her killing underscores the urgent need for accountability within the National Police Service.
According to the commission, at least seven people have been killed by police officers across the country since January.
The first case was reported on January 1, when 14-year-old Dennis Ringa was shot dead in Mombasa. This was followed by the killing of Shukri Adan, 20, in Mukuru kwa Njenga, Nairobi, on January 11.
On January 18, police officers shot and killed George Gathu Matheri, 40, in Nyeri. A day later in Kakamega, Godfrey Muyonga, 52, and Benedict Isiakali, 34, were killed, while another man was injured. On February 1, two more men—James Muraga Maina, 29, and Daniel Nudhu Njoki, 45—were killed in Kahawa West, Nairobi.
KHRC also documented multiple cases of injury resulting from police brutality during the same period.
These include the assault of youths playing pool in Nandi on January 10, the beating of Francis Nzau in Kahawa West three days later, and the shooting of a man in Mukuru kwa Njenga on January 20 during protests over demolitions.
The commission cited Articles 29 and 244 of the Constitution, which require police officers to act professionally and with respect for human rights and the rule of law.
It said the documented cases point to violations of these constitutional provisions, including the non-derogable right to life under Article 25.
While acknowledging that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened investigations into some incidents, KHRC criticised what it termed the slow pace of inquiries.
“The slow pace of investigations continues to undermine victims’ pursuit of justice and accountability,” the commission said.
KHRC demanded the arrest and prosecution of all officers directly involved in the killings and assaults, as well as accountability for commanders under whose watch the violations occurred.
It further gave the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, seven days to act.
“Failing which, KHRC will pursue private prosecution,” the statement warned.
