Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has appealed for stronger engagement between political leaders and the National Police Service, saying cooperation is essential for proper reporting, investigation, and response to security incidents.
Kanja made the remarks after hosting opposition leaders at his office, where discussions focused on how politicians and the police can work together to ensure incidents are addressed promptly and within the law.
He said the talks reinforced the need for open communication and proper coordination to support effective policing.
“The engagement marked a positive step toward strengthening trust and communication between the police and political leaders,” Kanja said, adding that continued dialogue and feedback would help improve working relations.
According to a statement from the Inspector General, the opposition leaders presented a petition during the meeting, which he said would be reviewed carefully and handled in line with the law.
“The IG reiterated the Service’s position of political neutrality and its commitment to serve all Kenyans equally and without fear or favour. Moreover, he reminded the leaders of their obligation to ensure police were alerted to any meetings or visits to any part of the country for the purpose of enhancing security coverage,” he noted.
Kanja said the discussions underscored the importance of cooperation between political actors and the police in strengthening national security and maintaining public order.
The Inspector General was accompanied by his deputies Eliud Lagat of the Kenya Police Service and Gilbert Masengeli of the Administration Police Service. Senior Assistant Inspector General John Onyango, representing the Director of Criminal Investigations, and other senior officers from National Police Service headquarters were also present.
The opposition team was led by Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and included Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and Democratic Action Party–Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu and DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala were also in attendance.
The meeting followed growing pressure from the opposition over an incident at ACK St. Peter’s Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where police officers are accused of violently disrupting a church service. Opposition leaders have warned they will mobilize protests across the country if those involved are not arrested and charged.
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua said the opposition used the meeting to demand immediate action against the officers accused of attacking worshippers during the service on January 25.
Addressing supporters during a public participation exercise at Wakulima Market, Gachagua said the opposition had issued a clear deadline.
“We have told the Inspector General that those police officers should be arrested and taken to court. If no action is taken by February 16, we will call for demonstrations across Kenya,” Gachagua said.
He said the incident went beyond a breakdown of order, claiming it was a planned attempt on his life. Gachagua alleged that a covert police unit referred to as “Police Sierra” was deployed from Nairobi to target him during the church service, where tear gas was reportedly used and vehicles, including his own, were damaged.
“These police officers have betrayed Kenyans. Instead of protecting the public, they are harming the public,” Gachagua said.
Musyoka cautioned the National Police Service against harassment or violence directed at opposition leaders, warning that such actions would be resisted.
“The protests will span from Mandera to Kisumu. Kenyans will not be the same again if these rogue officers continue attacking us,” Musyoka said.
Gachagua added that the planned demonstrations would not only seek the arrest of the officers linked to the incident but would also push for the removal from office of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General Douglas Kanja, and the Deputy Inspectors General of Police.
