Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has demanded the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to protect Kenyans and losing control of the National Police Service.
Gachagua said Kanja must either take firm control of the police ahead of the August 10, 2027 General Election or leave office, following the deadly violence that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on August 16.
In a letter dated August 20, Gachagua described the Homa Bay violence as “a shame of the highest magnitude in post-independence Kenya” and questioned why Kanja had remained in office after the security breakdown.
“By now you should have resigned as IG of the National Police Service,” Gachagua said, accusing the police chief of failing to carry out his constitutional duty to protect life and property.
Two people, among them a police officer, were killed during the chaos in Homa Bay, while dozens of others sustained injuries. Vehicles and other property were also damaged as violence broke out during the political tour.
The National Police Service later announced that 37 suspected gang members had been arrested in operations carried out after the incident. Police also recovered crude weapons, including machetes, metal rods, knives, rungus and batons.
The Homa Bay violence has since raised questions about the ability of security agencies to protect people during political gatherings. The Law Society of Kenya also raised concerns over attacks on journalists, disruption of media broadcasts and destruction of property during the unrest.
Gachagua said the events in Homa Bay showed that stronger leadership was needed within the National Police Service as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
“You either take charge of the Police Service ahead of the 10th August 2027 General Election or resign,” he told Kanja.
The DCP leader further accused Kanja of allowing the National Police Service to be influenced by civilians and criminal groups.
He said the Inspector General had either been involved in the alleged scheme or had “absconded” his duties, raising questions about his ability to command the police force.
Gachagua’s demand comes amid growing pressure on Kanja following the Homa Bay violence, with activists also calling for his resignation over what they described as failures by the police to protect Kenyans.
The DCP leader said the incident had exposed serious concerns about Kanja’s leadership of the National Police Service, especially its ability to prevent political violence and protect Kenyans as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.