Thursday, 29 October 2026

Kenya’s news, on the hourWork with us

Thursday, 29 October 2026

Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—

Kenyan press · Person

Douglas Kanja

Also known as: Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja · Inspector General Douglas Kanja · IG Douglas Kanja · IG Kanja · Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja · IG of Police Kanja · police IG · Police IG Kanja · Inspector General Dauglas Kanja · Inspector General · Assistant Inspector General · Inspector-General Douglas Kanja · Inspector General Kanja · Mr Kanja · Police IG Douglas Kanja · Inspector-General Kanja · Inspector-General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja

Inspector General of Police whose authority to recruit and manage uniformed officers was upheld by the Court of Appeal in October 2026.

2026-04-242026-10-29

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Douglas Kanja

Every mention in the Kenyan press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

September 2026
4 SeptCitizen Digital
… NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga on Wednesday said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had directed the Anti-Abduction Unit to immediately investigate the incident, including the identity of the heavily armed individuals seen ordering occupants out of Kiprotich’s vehicle. …
DCI lifts fingerprints from vehicle used by abducted journalist Alex Kiprotich
4 SeptCapital News
… AIROBI, Kenya, Sep 4 – Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims of a parallel command structure within the National Police Service, insisting that all police units operate under the authority of Inspector-General Douglas Kanja …
Murkomen denies parallel police command amid abduction claims
4 SeptCapital News
… The National Police Service has said Inspector-General Douglas Kanja ordered investigations to establish what happened and identify the armed individuals involved. …
Karua: Govt ‘days of ruling through fear’ numbered
4 SeptThe Standard
The involvement of police officers in the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich has put in the spotlight Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja with critics accusing him of losing control of the National Police Service (NPS) amid raising concerns of political …
Is IG Kanja in control of the police?
4 SeptThe Standard
The involvement of police officers in the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich has put in the spotlight Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja with critics accusing him of losing control of the National Police Service (NPS) amid raising concerns of political …
This man, Kanja: Is the IG in control of the police?
3 SeptCitizen Digital
… PHOTO | COURTESY Audio By Vocalize A day after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered a thorough investigation into the abduction ofIPOA accuses police of frustrating investigations into Rex Masai's killingAlex Kiprotich, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen h …
Murkomen orders probe into Standard Group Editor Alex Kiprotich's abduction
3 SeptCapital News
… Murkomen said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had already ordered investigations to establish who was behind the incident. …
Murkomen vows tough action over journalist abduction
3 SeptCitizen Digital
… The DCP boss added that the said commitment by the National Police Service (NPS) to probe the abduction is dead in the water, saying that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, is powerless at the helm of Kenya's key security unit. …
Gachagua claims Standard Group Editor Kiprotich abduction linked to Mau evictees' exposé
3 SeptThe Standard
… His remarks came after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja denied police involvement in the incident on Wednesday and ordered a probe into the circumstances of the abduction. …
Gachagua: Kanja cannot credibly probe Alex Kiprotich abduction
3 SeptThe Standard
… The CS also called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to enhance the security of journalists as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.“I want to ask the IG that as we head into the election period, let’s provide journalists with enough security for them to pe …
Murkomen condemns abduction of Standard Group journalist

World & Region

Vocal Africa seeks court order for missing Tanzanian activist

The News

Human rights organisation Vocal Africa has filed an urgent habeas corpus application at Kenya's High Court seeking the immediate production of Tanzanian opposition activist Twaha Mwaipaya, who was allegedly abducted by armed men in Kamulu, Nairobi, on October 25, 2026. The organisation is asking the court to compel security agencies to produce Mwaipaya within 24 hours and disclose the circumstances surrounding his alleged detention.

14 hours ago · Citizen Digital →

Yesterday

Vocal Africa seeks court order for missing Tanzanian activist
Human rights organisation Vocal Africa has filed an urgent habeas corpus application at Kenya's High Court seeking the immediate production of Tanzanian opposition activist Twaha Mwaipaya, who was allegedly abducted by armed men in Kamulu, Nairobi, on October 25, 2026. The organisation is asking the court to compel security agencies to produce Mwaipaya within 24 hours and disclose the circumstances surrounding his alleged detention.
14 hours ago · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 27 October

Law Society escalates police recruitment authority to Supreme Court
The Law Society of Kenya has filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court challenging a Court of Appeal judgment that affirmed the Inspector General of Police's authority to recruit uniformed police officers.
27 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 22 October

NPS vows cooperation with IPOA over journalist Francis Ode arrest
The National Police Service has pledged full cooperation with IPOA in its investigation following the arrest of Royal Media Services journalist Francis Ode, with the NPS Internal Affairs Unit also investigating the incident. The NPS stressed its commitment to supporting journalists and maintaining professional relationships with the media.
22 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 20 October

RMS editorial director condemns police assault of Citizen TV reporter
Linus Kaikai, editorial director of Royal Media Services, has condemned the arrest and assault of Citizen TV reporter Francis Ode by plainclothes police officers during fuel price protests in Nairobi's CBD on Tuesday, describing the incident as "lawless, unwarranted and primitive" and calling on the National Police Service and Ministry of Interior to stop unlawful operations.
20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kenya Editors Guild demands probe over journalist assault
The Kenya Editors Guild has condemned the arrest and alleged assault of Citizen TV journalist Francis Ode by police during fuel price protests in Nairobi's CBD on Tuesday, calling for an apology from the Inspector General of Police and assurances of journalist protection while on assignment.
20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
IG Kanja approves promotion of 1,948 police officers
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has approved the promotion of 1,948 National Police Service officers whose promotions had been pending. The officers had completed required promotional courses and met advancement conditions, with promotions expected to take effect accordingly.
20 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
KEG and CJAK condemn arrest, injury of Citizen TV journalist
Kenya's media industry bodies have condemned the arrest and manhandling of Citizen TV journalist Francis Odee by police along Kimathi Street while covering demonstrations. Odee was detained at the Central Police Station before being released, and the groups have called for accountability and an apology from Police IG Douglas Kanja.
20 October 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 19 October

Kalonzo demands wider probe into Raila memorial violence
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on the Inspector General of Police to widen investigations into violence that disrupted the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, demanding arrest and prosecution of alleged planners and financiers. Kalonzo accused the government of using state actors and hired gangs to disrupt opposition activities.
19 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Court affirms IG's authority; 1,948 officers promoted
The Court of Appeal has dismissed appeals by the National Police Service Commission and the Law Society of Kenya, upholding the Inspector-General's constitutional authority over uniformed police officers' management. Following this decision, Inspector-General Douglas Kanja has approved the promotion of 1,948 officers whose advancement had previously stalled.
19 October 2026 · Capital News →
Court affirms IG's authority; 1,948 officers promoted
Kenya's Inspector-General Douglas Kanja has approved the promotion of 1,948 police officers following a Court of Appeal decision that upheld his constitutional authority to independently manage uniformed officers, dismissing challenges from the National Police Service Commission and Law Society of Kenya.
19 October 2026 · Capital News →
Kalonzo demands arrest of violence suspects at Raila memorial
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on security to arrest more suspects behind chaos at Raila Odinga's first death anniversary at Migwena grounds in Siaya on October 15, 2026, saying five arrests are insufficient and planners and financiers should also be pursued.
19 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Charles Kerich faces arrest over unpaid legal fees
Nairobi County executive Charles Kerich faces imminent arrest and a three-month jail sentence after missing a Sh36.7 million payment deadline in a Sh106.7 million legal fees dispute with Kwengu & Company Advocates. The lawyers have requested police arrest him following his failure to meet an October 15 payment deadline under a court-approved settlement agreement from July.
19 October 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 16 October

Police fraternity mourns Senior Assistant Inspector General Lazarus Opicho
The National Police Service has paid tribute to Senior Assistant Inspector General Lazarus Simiyu Opicho following his death on September 29, 2026. Inspector General Douglas Kanja described him as a dedicated officer whose decades of service left a lasting mark on policing in Kenya, with roles including Commandant of Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, and founding head of the Judiciary Police Unit.
16 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Court of Appeal upholds IG's power to recruit police officers
The Court of Appeal upheld a High Court ruling that the Inspector General of Police, not the National Police Service Commission, has power to recruit uniformed police officers. The court ruled that Article 246(3) of the Constitution limits the commission's mandate to civilian staff within the National Police Service, while uniformed officers fall under the IG's independent command.
16 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Police reform and accountability mechanisms questioned in Kenya
More than a decade after the 2010 Constitution established a framework for policing, Kenyans continue to report difficulty holding police accountable for misconduct, citing fears of retaliation and concerns that accountability mechanisms have not meaningfully changed how citizens experience policing.
16 October 2026 · Capital News →
Court of Appeal affirms IG's power to hire police constables
The Court of Appeal ruled that the Inspector General of Police, not the National Police Service Commission, has the power to hire constable police officers and control the Sh60 billion police payroll. The three-judge bench found the law is clear about the IG's independence as head of the police service.
16 October 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 14 October

Government links security, sports, economy ahead of Mashujaa Day
Speaking at Eldoret's Mashujaa Day Thematic Week, the Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo linked improved security to economic growth, education access, and sports infrastructure development, and commended North Rift communities for cooperating with security agencies in recovering over 3,000 illegal firearms.
14 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 13 October

Kenya, Italy deepen security cooperation on cybersecurity
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja led a Kenyan delegation to Italy for bilateral engagements, meeting Italy's National Cybersecurity Agency and visiting Leonardo's Cyber and Security Solutions Division to strengthen cooperation in cyber crisis management and technology-driven security operations.
13 October 2026 · Capital News →

Thursday 8 October

Murkomen accelerates county policing authorities to strengthen community security role
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is moving to operationalize County Policing Authorities to give communities a more structured role in policing and strengthen accountability at the county level. The authorities, already provided for under the National Police Service Act, will be chaired by governors and include representatives of national security agencies, county assemblies, and community interests.
8 October 2026 · Capital News →
Police recover firearm and livestock in Turkana County operation
Police recovered 290 sheep, a firearm and ammunition from a lorry in Kainuk, Turkana County, and arrested the driver. The sheep are suspected to have been stolen from Lokichar within the county.
8 October 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 7 October

Security forces lack resources for sustained banditry operations
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told Parliament that security personnel and equipment deployed to tackle banditry in Samburu, Meru and Isiolo are inadequate for sustained operations, citing difficult terrain, poor roads, limited communication networks and long distances between security installations as constraints. Between June and September, 14 people were killed and 17 injured, while security agencies recovered 2,395 illegally held firearms and 3,221 stolen livestock in the affected areas.
7 October 2026 · Capital News →

Tuesday 6 October

Government maps 109 criminal gangs ahead of 2027 election
Kenya's government has identified 109 organised criminal gangs operating across the country, up from 89 declared illegal in 2016, warning that their involvement in violence and use of youth groups for political intimidation pose a security threat as the country approaches the 2027 General Election. Western Kenya has 38 of these groups, the Rift Valley 22, and Nairobi 20.
6 October 2026 · Capital News →

Saturday 3 October

MPs summon security chiefs over Samburu livestock killings
The Inspector General of Police and Interior Cabinet Secretary have been summoned to Parliament to answer questions about the killing of over 700 livestock by police during a security operation in Samburu. Samburu Governor Leti Lelelit presented a petition seeking compensation for the affected families.
3 October 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 1 October

Security operations killing livestock raise collective punishment concerns
A security operation in Samburu East that killed livestock while pursuing stolen animals and illegal firearms has prompted questions about whether legitimate security action becomes collective punishment of innocent residents and their livestock.
1 October 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 29 September

DP Kindiki orders fresh inspection of alcohol manufacturers
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed fresh inspection of alcohol manufacturing premises to ascertain compliance with applicable standards and regulations, as the government intensifies enforcement against illicit alcoholic drinks and drug abuse.
29 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
DP Kindiki orders inspections of alcohol manufacturers for compliance
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed fresh inspection of alcohol manufacturing premises to ensure compliance with regulations, as part of the government's crackdown on illicit alcoholic drinks and drugs.
29 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Government pledges to fight illicit alcohol and drugs nationally
The Government says it will sustain its crackdown on illicit alcohol and drug abuse through intelligence-led operations and multi-agency enforcement. It plans to build at least one public rehabilitation centre in every county within the next year, with each facility estimated to cost KSh60 million.
29 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Deputy President orders fresh inspections of alcohol manufacturers nationwide
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and enforcement agencies to re-inspect all alcohol manufacturing premises to ensure compliance with standards and regulations as part of the government's intensified crackdown on illicit brews.
29 September 2026 · Capital News →
Senior police commander Lazarus Opicho dies at 65
Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit and pioneer commander of the Judiciary Police Unit, has died after an illness. Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Chief Justice Martha Koome paid tribute to his decades of service to the police and judiciary.
29 September 2026 · Capital News →
Senior Assistant Police IG Lazarus Opicho dies
Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Opicho, Commandant of the Security of Government Buildings and VIP Protection Unit, has died following an illness while undergoing treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. Inspector General Douglas Kanja described him as a dedicated and exemplary servant whose leadership will be deeply missed.
29 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →