Lobby condemns police brutality, demands resignations over protest killings

The National Integrity Alliance (NIA) has criticised what it termed a "crisis of leadership and integrity" within the security agencies and government following the recent crackdown on peaceful protests.

In a statement released Tuesday, NIA called for the resignation of senior security officials and urged structural reforms within the National Police Service and oversight bodies.

The alliance raised concerns over reports of arbitrary arrests, abductions, sexual violence, and property destruction during demonstrations held on June 25, 2025.

“NIA strongly condemns the escalation of state-sponsored violence,” the statement read.

“These acts, carried out under the guise of law enforcement, reflect a failure to uphold constitutional values and ensure accountability.”

The alliance also criticised remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

“By defending the actions of the police and not addressing concerns raised about the use of force, Murkomen risks undermining public confidence,” the statement read, as NIA called for his resignation and a public apology.

Referencing a report by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit titled Silenced but Unbowed, the alliance underscored the seriousness of the issue.

According to the report, at least 63 people are reported to have died, 63 allegedly abducted, 26 remain unaccounted for, and over 600 injured between 2023 and 2025, mostly during justice and reform demonstrations.

NIA cited the killing of schoolteacher and blogger Albert Ojwang as an example of what it described as systemic accountability gaps in the security sector.

It also criticised the recent stepping aside of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, calling the move insufficient and lacking a clear legal framework.

“The killing of Albert Ojwang’ and the symbolic stepping aside of Deputy IG Lagat point to deeper structural challenges in holding security forces accountable,” the alliance said.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was also urged to vacate office over what the alliance termed as a failure to protect citizens' rights and uphold the Constitution.

“The Bill of Rights is not optional,” NIA stated.

“It is the foundation of Kenya’s constitutional democracy.”

The alliance also raised concern over the disappearance of activist and blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, who has been missing since a reported raid on his home in Kinoo on June 21, 2025.

The High Court has since ordered the Inspector General of Police to produce Kinyagia or provide a credible explanation.

NIA demanded his safe return and accountability from those involved in his disappearance.

Additionally, the alliance condemned the continued legal pursuit of human rights defenders John Mulingwa Nzau (Garang), Mark Amiani (Generali), and Francis Mutunge Mwangi (Chebukati), describing the charges as unjustified and urging their withdrawal.

Among its eight key demands, NIA called for an end to the criminalisation of dissent, protection of civic freedoms, urgent reforms within the National Police Service, and strengthened oversight by Parliament and the Presidency.

The alliance also called for transparent prosecution of all individuals responsible for protest-related violence, independent investigations into protest deaths, including that of Boniface Kariuki, and accountability for security officials who fail in their constitutional duties.

NIA further reiterated its call for the resignations of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and IG Douglas Kanja, and demanded a formal apology and retraction from Cabinet Secretary Murkomen for statements the alliance views as harmful to democratic rights.

“A culture of repression threatens Kenyans for exercising their fundamental freedoms,” the alliance warned.