Security authorities have issued a firm warning over a rising wave of violent incidents targeting police officers and public installations, saying the state will respond decisively after a deadly episode in Mbeere North and growing concerns over organised groups engaging in unlawful activities.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has cautioned that any attempt to attack police stations, damage government property, or take part in coordinated violence will face strict legal action, stressing that such acts threaten national stability.
Speaking at Vigilance House in Nairobi on Friday, April 17, 2026, Kanja said security agencies are dealing with new and organised threats even though official data shows a slight drop in overall crime levels.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has raised alarm over an increase in organised criminal activity and attacks on police targets, even as overall crime levels show a modest decline.
He said Kenya recorded a five per cent reduction in crime in 2025 compared to the previous year, attributing the improvement to sustained operations against terrorism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, burglary, and organised crime.
“Our continued commitment to safeguarding the country is reflected in a five per cent reduction in crime this year compared to last,” he said.
However, he warned that the gains are now being threatened by coordinated attacks targeting police officers, stations, and key infrastructure in different regions.
“These acts go beyond ordinary crime,” Kanja warned. “They amount to a serious attack on public safety, national security and the stability of our communities.”
He stressed that police stations are central to maintaining order and emergency response, warning that any attack on them weakens the entire security system.
“Police stations are more than physical structures,” he said. “They serve as the foundation of public safety and the first point of response in times of crisis. Any attack on them is, in effect, an attack on the public.”
Kanja further linked the rising violence to political interference, accusing some individuals of allegedly using criminal groups to advance political interests, and warned that those involved will face the law.
“The growing cases of politically driven violence and the use of organised gangs pose a direct threat to national security and will not be tolerated,” he said.
He said the National Police Service has intensified joint operations with other security agencies and the public to track down those behind the violence and prevent further incidents.
“We are committed to ensuring that those behind these acts, along with their collaborators, are brought to justice, regardless of their position in society,” Kanja stated.
“Police stations are not just buildings; they are the bedrock of public safety, emergency response, and the first line of defence. To attack a police station is to attack the very security of the public it serves,” Kanja alarmed.
He directed officers to strictly follow the Constitution, the National Police Service Act, and internal regulations, stressing professionalism, restraint, accountability, and respect for human rights.
The remarks follow a violent incident in Embu where two civilians were allegedly shot during protests over poor services at Ishiara Level IV Hospital in Mbeere North on April 14, 2026.
“Stern and immediate action will be taken against any misconduct, in line with the robust frameworks for accountability in Kenya,” the police boss warned.
Kanja also cautioned against rising political incitement and mobilisation of criminal gangs, saying those financing or directing such activities will be pursued and prosecuted without exception.
“To crush these threats, the National Police Service, in close collaboration with the public and partner security agencies, has activated comprehensive lawful strategies. These include intensified operations to bring perpetrators swiftly to justice, thereby establishing a strong deterrent against future offenders,” he said.
His statement came shortly after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud warned over planned protests scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Nairobi’s central business district.
Mohamud said while the right to peaceful assembly is protected, all demonstrations must comply with the law, including notifying police in advance.
“There are those who come today and say tomorrow they want to protest. They will not have it. We don’t want disorder; we want order,” he stated.
The planned demonstrations are linked to rising fuel prices and the high cost of living, which have sparked public anger across the country.
Despite police warnings, organisers insist the protests will proceed, arguing that the economic pressure has reached breaking point, while others accuse authorities of attempting to suppress public expression.
Opposition leaders have issued a seven-day ultimatum over fuel prices, while President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have urged dialogue instead of street protests.
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