Activists chain themselves at the Police Gate in Nairobi, demanding the resignation of IG Kanja

 

Activists, led by Julius Kamau, chained themselves to the gate of Jogoo House in Nairobi on Monday, August 17, 2026, demanding the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.

The group of about six activists carried white mock coffins marked “Why kill Kenyans?”, along with placards and crosses. 

They highlighted alleged police brutality, abductions, deaths in custody, extrajudicial killings and what they described as the police’s failure to protect Kenyans. 

Some reports also linked the protest to recent insecurity and chaos in Homa Bay County.

They threw the coffins over the gate into the compound before chaining themselves. Kamau remained attached to the gate for a while, addressing those present and calling for freedom, justice, and equality. He stated: “Siogopi bana, niko tayari kufa nikigania Kenya” (“I’m not afraid, I’m ready to die fighting for Kenya”) and led chants of “We shall overcome.”

He also criticized the grabbing of public land and urged Kenyans not to blindly follow politicians.

Police intervened, unchained Kamau and arrested him along with the other five activists. They were taken toward a police vehicle and later to Central Police Station. Footage of the protest and arrests circulated widely.

The action occurred amid ongoing scrutiny of the National Police Service, including past calls for Kanja’s resignation after incidents of political violence, in Ol Kalou and involving Senator Osotsi and deaths in custody such as that of Albert Ojwang in 2025. 

The immediate context included Sunday’s violence in Homa Bay during a Linda Mwananchi rally, where armed youths blocked roads, attacked people and journalists, torched vehicles, and left at least two dead (including a police officer) and dozens 

Kamau is a known activist who has staged high-visibility protests on governance, human rights, cost of living and accountability for years.