Kenya Opposition storm Police Headquarters over spate of targeted attacks

 On January 30, 2026, leaders from Kenya's United Opposition—including figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for Citizens Party - DCP), Martha Karua (People's Liberation Party), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Democratic Movement), Fred Matiang'i, and others—marched to the National Police Service headquarters (also referred to as Jogoo House or Vigilance House) in Nairobi.

This was not a violent "storming" in the sense of breaching or clashing to overrun the building, but a high-profile protest delegation and confrontation at the premises. 

They presented a formal dossier and demands to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over a wave of attacks on opposition leaders and supporters.

Key Details of the Incident

1. The opposition cited over 20–24 documented incidents of violence since late 2024 (some sources say November 2024 onward), including disruptions at funerals, prayer meetings, church services, political rallies, convoys, and by-elections.

2. A major trigger was a recent attack on January 26, 2026 (Sunday), at St. Peter's Witima Anglican Church in Nyeri County (Othaya area). During a service attended by Gachagua, plain clothes police allegedly fired tear gas and live ammunition into the church, disrupting worship, damaging vehicles, and injuring people. 

Opposition leaders, clergy, and human rights groups condemned it as a violation of freedom of worship and a breach of a High Court order barring such force in protected spaces like churches.

Gachagua alleged a covert police unit (referred to as "Nairobi Sierra" or "Police Sierra") of about 12 officers was deployed from Nairobi to target him, describing it as an attempted assassination sanctioned by senior officials (though without presented evidence).

The group accused police of complicity—either directly participating, accompanying "goons," or failing to arrest perpetrators despite evidence like photos and videos. No arrests or prosecutions have reportedly followed most incidents.

Actions and Demands

The delegation met with IG Kanja to submit complaints and demand:

1. Swift investigation and arrest of involved officers (especially from the Othaya church incident).

2. An end to police intimidation, weaponization against opposition activities, and protection of all citizens impartially.

They issued a two-week ultimatum (until around February 16, 2026) for action, threatening nationwide demonstrations/mass action if unmet.

After the meeting, the leaders addressed the media and held a rally in Nairobi CBD, criticizing the police for "protecting criminals, not Kenyans" and escalating rhetoric against government-backed violence.

This fits into broader tensions in Kenya around political violence, police impartiality, and preparations for the 2027 elections (with 2026 seen as critical). 

Opposition figures like Gachagua, impeached in late 2024, have faced repeated targeting, while critics accuse the government of using security forces to suppress dissent. 

Police and government responses have not been detailed in reports yet, but the event drew significant media and public attention.