Kanja warns officers to follow proper procedure when arresting June 25 protesters
By Sharon Atieno, June 25, 2026Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has directed security officers across the country to strictly follow legal procedures when handling arrests linked to the June 25 anniversary protests, insisting that any action taken against demonstrators must be guided by evidence and due process.
Speaking on Thursday, June 25, 2026, during an interview after conducting a security inspection walk in Kitengela, Kanja said police officers had been instructed to ensure professionalism while dealing with suspects arrested during the nationwide demonstrations.
“If there is any evidence, it must be listed by the police. They have to proceed based on the available evidence, and if there is no case against them, they will have to be set free,” Kanja said.
The police boss emphasised that officers must avoid arbitrary arrests, saying that law enforcement agencies were expected to operate strictly within constitutional procedures despite heightened security operations across the country.
Police told to respect legal process
Kanja maintained that security agencies had gathered intelligence on activities surrounding the protests but warned officers against acting outside the law while handling those detained during the demonstrations.
“The processes and the procedures are going to be followed. It is guided by available information and intelligence gathered by security officers,” he stated.
He added that police operations were being coordinated jointly with other security agencies to ensure public order while protecting both protesters and ordinary citizens.
“We work together with other security providers, so we have got a lot of information and intelligence,” Kanja added.
Arrests reported in Nairobi and Meru
Kanja’s remarks came as police arrested several activists outside Parliament Buildings in Nairobi after commemorative marches turned tense near heavily barricaded government installations.
In Meru, at least five people were arrested in connection with demonstrations, with police confirming investigations were ongoing as businesses remained closed amid fears of unrest.
Security remains on high alert
Despite the arrests reported in parts of the country, Kanja assured Kenyans that officers remained fully prepared to maintain law and order throughout the anniversary protests.
“Our officers are there to protect lives and property, but every arrest must follow proper procedure under the law,” he said.