Opposition Ditches Police Talks, Vows Private Prosecution of 12 Officers and 2 MPs
The United Opposition coalition in Kenya has declared an end to engagements with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, citing a complete loss of confidence in the National Police Service leadership.
Following an initial meeting at Jogoo House on January 30, 2026, where the group—including figures like Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and Fred Matiang’i—discussed investigations into a violent incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya and an alleged assassination attempt on former Deputy President Gachagua, follow-up efforts collapsed. The opposition claims a scheduled subsequent appointment never happened due to the IG's unavailability, and they accuse Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of intervening to block any prosecutions after investigations reportedly identified the perpetrators.
According to the coalition's statement, police inquiries concluded that 12 officers carried out the attack using two Land Cruiser vehicles dispatched from Nairobi, while two unnamed Members of Parliament from Murang'a and Nyeri counties allegedly financed and facilitated the operation. The opposition alleges that the completed investigative file, intended for the Director of Public Prosecutions, was intercepted on Murkomen's orders to prevent any legal action, describing this as obstruction of justice and abuse of power. Frustrated by what they term state inaction and political interference, the group has vowed to bypass official channels and pursue private criminal prosecutions against the 12 officers and the two MPs, invoking constitutional provisions and laws that permit such steps when public authorities fail to act.
In addition to halting further talks with the IG's office, the United Opposition has put the police on notice regarding upcoming political gatherings in Nairobi, Kisii, Nyamira, and Nakuru, asserting that any interference with these lawful assemblies—protected under Article 37 of the Constitution—will be documented and challenged. This development highlights escalating tensions between opposition forces and security agencies, amid accusations of shielding suspects and broader concerns over accountability in handling politically sensitive incidents. The coalition emphasized that justice for the victims will proceed independently, with or without police cooperation.
