Opposition Leaders Outraged as IG Kanja Snubs Meeting

Opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Rigathi Gachagua (Democracy for the Citizens Party), and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), expressed outrage on Monday, February 16, 2026, after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja failed to attend a scheduled meeting at Vigilance House. 

The leaders arrived expecting a direct engagement with Kanja to discuss a report he had reportedly promised regarding police excesses. Instead of Kanja or his deputies, the opposition was asked to meet with junior officers, an offer they flatly rejected before walking out.

Opposition figures claimed Kanja “fled” just before they arrived, allegedly under instructions from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and PS Raymond Omollo.

The meeting was intended to address the Othaya church attack (January 25, 2026), where tear gas was reportedly used during a service attended by Gachagua.

Recent violence at a Kitengela rally on February 15, which the opposition claims left two people dead and over 50 injured the ongoing cases of police abductions and political intimidation. 

The United Opposition has issued a fresh ultimatum to IG Kanja until Friday, February 20, 2026, to meet them in person.

The leaders have warned to escalate these human rights concerns to the International Criminal Court (ICC) if accountability is not provided.

The opposition maintains a threat of mass action if their demands for the arrest of officers involved in the Othaya incident are not met. 

By Anthony Solly