Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued a stark warning, stating that financial strain and equipment shortages within the National Police Service (NPS) could force officers to use live ammunition to control protests.

• The NPS is facing a major financial strain with no budgetary allocation for basic supplies like teargas.
• Inspector General Kanja made these remarks during an appearance before the Administration and Internal Security committee, chaired by Gabriel Tongoyo.
• Recent protests have depleted existing police equipment, and lack of vehicles has caused delays in police response.

Kenyan Police are investigating reports of civilians possessing teargas canisters, especially amidst disruptions at political rallies. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that security agencies are probing potential collusion between civilians and police officers in the illicit supply of these restricted items.

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the investigation into civilian teargas possession.
• The probe follows multiple incidents of political rallies being disrupted by teargas, despite denials by the National Police Service (NPS).
• Murkomen also reported progress in an anti-banditry operation in Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia counties, with nearly 28 firearms recovered from the Isiolo side alone.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen claims teargas used at opposition rallies may not be from police, stating investigations are underway to determine how canisters ended up in civilian hands. He suggests teargas might be in the wrong hands, noting incidents occurred even without police presence and alleging civilians may be illegally supplied.

• Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reported that teargas might be in the wrong hands, with investigations by the Inspector General of Police initiated to probe civilian possession or potential collusion.
• The Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri, experienced a violent confrontation on January 25, 2026, involving teargas and the burning of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's vehicle.
• Rallies led by the United Opposition, including those for Kalonzo Musyoka and Edwin Sifuna in Embu, Mombasa, and Kitengela, were also disrupted by police using teargas and water cannons.

The United Opposition Alliance, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has canceled its planned march to the Inspector General of Police’s office scheduled for Friday. Instead, the alliance vows to pursue private prosecutions against twelve police officers, accusing Inspector General Douglas Kanja of obstructing justice in the investigation of the January 25 Witima ACK Church attack.

• The opposition alleges that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen intercepted the investigative file, instructing against prosecution.
• The attack reportedly involved twelve police officers, using two Land Cruiser vehicles from Nairobi, with financing from two Members of Parliament from Murang’a and Nyeri counties.
• The United Opposition will invoke Article 157(6)(b) of the Constitution to initiate criminal proceedings, asserting that the state has failed to act.

The United Opposition alliance, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, announced multiple rallies in Nairobi and other counties starting Sunday, warning Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja against interference. They have also cancelled a planned march to police headquarters and intend to initiate private prosecutions.

• The opposition plans rallies in Nairobi, Kisii, Nyamira, and Nakuru.
• They accused IG Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of obstructing justice regarding an alleged assassination attempt on Gachagua at ACK Witima Church on January 25, identifying 12 police officers and 2 Members of Parliament as suspects.
• The United Opposition will pursue private prosecutions against the 12 officers and 2 MPs, citing what they call politically motivated inaction by the Director of Public Prosecutions.