National Integrity Alliance demands CS Murkomen, IG Kanja’s resignation over police brutality and rights abuses

The National Integrity Alliance (NIA) has called for the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, accusing them of enabling a regime marked by police brutality, enforced disappearances, and the suppression of constitutional rights.

In a statement on Tuesday, the alliance condemned the June 25 crackdown on protesters, slamming the three officials for failing to prevent widespread human rights violations and instead enabling a climate of fear and impunity.

Referring to findings from the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) in a report titled “Silenced but Unbowed”, the NIA stated that between 2023 and 2025, at least 63 people were killed, 63 abducted, 26 remain missing, and over 600 were injured, mostly during protests calling for justice and reform.

They termed the murder of teacher Albert Ojwang and the publicised “stepping aside” of Deputy IG Lagat as evidence of systemic failure in ensuring accountability within security agencies.

“This act, lacking legal basis, offers no real justice or assurance of reform,” NIA said.

Unchecked police violence

The group also said the shooting of unarmed mask vendor Boniface Kariuki is a stark example of unchecked police violence.

NIA accused the police leadership of ignoring court rulings outlawing excessive force, banning plainclothes officers and balaclavas, and holding commanders liable for abuses committed by their juniors.

“The Inspector General’s failure to enforce the rulings signals a serious leadership and accountability crisis within the police service,” the group said.

According to the alliance, these violations contravene constitutional guarantees, including the right to life, dignity, expression, peaceful assembly, and the national values outlined under Articles 10, 19, 20, 26, 33, 37, 238, 239, and 244.

It called for “immediate, transparent investigations and structural reforms” in response to the mounting abuses.

“Instead of safeguarding citizens, state agencies are weaponising fear through abductions and lethal force to suppress dissent. A dangerous culture of repression now threatens Kenyans for exercising their fundamental freedoms,” NIA warned.

Non-violent protests

While also denouncing attacks on police officers by some civilians, the alliance called on demonstrators to remain non-violent in exercising their constitutional freedoms. However, it singled out the “shoot-to-kill” remarks by CS Murkomen, accusing him of justifying excessive police force and undermining the legitimacy of youth-led protests.

“By defending acts of police brutality and remaining silent on violations by the security forces, Murkomen undermines his constitutional mandate and erodes public trust,” NIA said.

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• Albert Ojwang
• Boniface Kariuki
• Ndiangui Kinyagia
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• National Integrity Alliance demands CS Murkomen
• IG Kanja’s resignation over police brutality and rights abuses

“These actions reflect the failure of meaningful police reform… and betray the constitutional vision of Utumishi kwa Wote, service and protection for all citizens.”

Enforced disappearance

NIA also expressed concern over the enforced disappearance of blogger and activist Ndiang’ui Kinyagia, who vanished following a raid at his home in Kinoo on June 21. The High Court has since ordered the police Inspector General to produce him in court, dead or alive, or explain his whereabouts.

“His disappearance is emblematic of the growing trend of targeting digital dissent and civic voices. We demand that authorities immediately locate and safely return him and hold those responsible for his disappearance to account,” the alliance said.

The alliance further condemned what it termed the arbitrary arrests and harassment of human rights defenders, including John Mulingwa Nzau (Garang), Mark Amiani (Generali), and Francis Mutunge Mwangi (Chebukati). It described the charges against them as “frivolous and politically motivated,” and demanded their immediate release.

“The right to protest, organise, and speak out is protected under the Constitution and must be upheld without compromise,” NIA said.

Criminalising dissent

The group has now urged the government to immediately end the criminalisation of dissent and guarantee the rights of youth, activists, journalists, and citizens to freely organise and express themselves.

It called for urgent police reforms grounded in human rights and the Constitution, and accused oversight bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) of failing to act amid increasing brutality and enforced disappearances.

The alliance also demanded the prosecution of all individuals behind protest-related killings, torture, and abductions, regardless of rank and insisted that implicated officers step aside to allow credible investigations.

Further, NIA pressed for independent probes into the deaths of Ojwang’ and Kariuki, and called for the immediate resignation of DIG Lagat for violating legal and ethical standards. It also demanded a written resignation from IG Kanja for failing to uphold the Constitution.

CS Murkomen, the group said, should retract and apologise for remarks seen to justify police violence and step down for breaching Chapter Six of the Constitution.

President William Ruto and Parliament have also been urged to hold all Cabinet Secretaries accountable to human rights, constitutional values, and the highest standards of integrity.