Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has acknowledged shortcomings in the National Police Service’s handling of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, saying officers could have acted much better during the demonstrations that led to the deaths of unarmed civilians.

In an interview with a local TV station aired on November 21, 2025, Kanja reflected on the clashes that left at least 39 people dead and sparked nationwide outrage over police conduct.

“My take on the handling of what happened then is that probably our officers could have done much better than that. But we must also remember that training is a key component at all times, because as we continue to train our officers, they become much better,” he said.

Kanja reiterated that killing civilians is not part of police work. “You know, the business of the police, first of all, is not to kill anybody, and I have indicated there before that our business is to protect the rights and freedoms of the people,” he said.

On incidents where unarmed protesters were killed, the IG said such cases demand thorough investigations.

“So if such things happen, for example, that is an area that requires some very serious investigations so that we get to understand what happened and what led to that particular action carried out by the concerned officer,” he stated.

Calls for lawful policing

Kanja expressed concern over images depicting cited police brutality during the protests, saying such incidents raise serious questions about officer conduct. He noted that the mandate of the police is strictly to operate within the law and safeguard the rights and freedoms of citizens.

“Our business is only to operate within the law and to protect the rights and freedoms of the people, and that’s why whenever you see such a picture, of course, you get so much concern.”

“What is it that could have happened? And for us, we allow others to have a look at that and advise, including IPOA and the rest, so that we can get the correct position of what really transpired.”

He repeatedly referenced Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.

“Article 37 of our laws guides very well and is very clear on all those issues. If we follow the law, all of us, the protesters and the officers, the officers should actually be there to guide the protesters so they can protest, because that is allowed by the law,” he explained.

Legal framework for assembly

Kanja also highlighted the legal framework governing public demonstrations, stressing that both citizens and officers must adhere to established procedures. He said the law outlines how protests should be conducted and the role of police in maintaining order while protecting participants.

He added that distinguishing between lawful protests and criminal activity becomes difficult “when things go outside the frameworks of the law.”

Kanja’s remarks come as several officers face investigations by IPOA and other oversight bodies over alleged excessive force during the 2024 protests.