Opposition leaders seek audience with IG Douglas Kanja in Nairobi on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG’
Opposition leaders on Friday held a meeting at a Nairobi hotel before marching to the Office of the Inspector General of Police to present concerns over what they described as rising incidents of violence and intimidation during opposition political activities.
The leaders first convened at the Stanley Hotel in the Central Business District (CBD) before setting off on foot, marching through parts of the city centre as they made their way to the Inspector General’s office.
The procession drew public attention as it moved through the CBD.
Among those present were former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and Senator Dan Maanzo, alongside other opposition figures.
According to the leaders, the march was intended to seek an audience with the Inspector General of Police and formally raise concerns about the disruption of opposition events by groups they described as goons.
The march came a week after an incident involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, Nyeri County, which heightened political tensions.
During the Sunday incident, police officers were accused of acting alongside unidentified individuals as tear gas was deployed in and around the church compound, triggering widespread public debate.
Church leaders and faith-based organisations later condemned the events, describing them as a violation of the sanctity of places of worship and calling for restraint and respect for religious spaces. They urged political actors and security agencies to avoid actions that could undermine religious freedom or erode public confidence.
Gachagua and his supporters later blamed the police for the chaos, alleging that insufficient action was taken to prevent the situation from escalating, forcing worshippers and clergy to flee to safety.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen subsequently directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to launch investigations into the incident at Witima Church and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
Murkomen also condemned the events that occurred inside and outside the church, where the use of tear gas caused panic among worshippers, warning that such incidents are unacceptable in places of worship.
Opposition leaders meeting at Stanley hotel in Nairobi CBD before procession in Nairobi CBD to IG Douglas Kanja’s office on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG
Opposition leaders procession in Nairobi CBD to IG Douglas Kanja’s office on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG
Opposition leaders seek audience with IG Douglas Kanja in Nairobi on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG’
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, alongside lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, during procession in Nairobi CBD to IG Douglas Kanja’s office on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG
Opposition leaders meeting at Stanley hotel at Nairobi CBD before procession in Nairobi CBD to IG Douglas Kanja’s office on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG
Opposition leaders meeting at Stanley hotel at Nairobi CBD before procession in Nairobi CBD to IG Douglas Kanja’s office on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG
Opposition leaders procession in Nairobi CBD to IG Douglas Kanja’s office on January 30, 2026/DENNIS OCHIENG