Gachagua Accuses IG Kanja of Hiding, Vows Massive 100,000-Strong March to Harambee House on Friday
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticized Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for allegedly evading a scheduled meeting and fleeing through a back door at Harambee House.
On February 16, 2026, Gachagua, accompanied by United Opposition leaders, arrived for a pre-arranged discussion on police brutality, attacks on churches, and violence against women and children—only to find Kanja absent and junior officers delegated in his place. Gachagua described the IG's actions as a "hide-and-seek game," accusing him of fearing direct confrontation and shielding perpetrators of impunity.
The confrontation stems from an incident on January 25, 2026, at ACK Witima Church, where Gachagua claims a special police squad called Nairobi Sierra—comprising 12 officers—lobbed tear gas into the church during a service he attended, labeling it a targeted assassination attempt sanctioned by President William Ruto. Gachagua had given Kanja a February 15 deadline to arrest the involved officers, but with no action taken, he condemned the IG's inaction as a deliberate strategy to normalize violence and protect those responsible.
Addressing supporters during an impromptu rally in Nyamakima, downtown Nairobi, Gachagua declared, "You will not hide!" He announced plans to return on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 3 PM with 100,000 people from Nairobi to march directly to the IG's office, vowing to bring the capital to a standstill until demands for justice and accountability are met. This escalation highlights deepening opposition tensions with the police leadership amid ongoing allegations of political interference and brutality.
