KHRC gives ODPP 7-day ultimatum over police killings, demands IG Kanja's resignation

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, demanding immediate action over a surge in police killings.

In a press statement released in Nairobi on February 10, 2026, the commission condemned a "disturbing pattern" of brutality and called for the immediate resignation of Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to halt systemic abuse.

"KHRC demands the immediate resignation of Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, in light of his failure to stop systemic abuse and end a culture of impunity. KHRC further calls for the arrest and prosecution of all culpable officers who pulled the trigger or brutalised victims," the statement read.

The commission has documented at least seven fatalities since January, including the February 7 killing of Sharon Adhiambo, a first-year medical student shot in Huruma.

Other documented cases include the assault of youths in Nandi, the brutalisation of Francis Nzau in Kahawa West, and a shooting during protests in Mukuru kwa Njenga.

While the Independent Policing Oversight Authority has begun investigations, KHRC expressed frustration with the "slow pace of its investigations, which continue to undermine victims' pursuit of justice and accountability."

Citing violations of the right to life under Article 25, KHRC insists that accountability must extend to commanders.

The commission directed its ultimatum to DPP Renson Ingonga, warning that if his office does not institute proceedings within seven days, KHRC will initiate private prosecutions to ensure justice is served for the victims and their families.

#PressStatement
Since the start of the year, KHRC has documented at least seven police killings across the country.

KHRC gives the ODPP 7 days to institute proceedings against the culpable officers or face a private prosecution.

KHRC demands the resignation of the police IG in… pic.twitter.com/Ms54NfrGRj

— KHRC (@thekhrc) February 10, 2026