Africa-Press – Kenya. IG Douglas Kanja and DCI boss Mohammed Amin, when they appeared before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations to deliberate on the emerging pattern of targeted, politically motivated attacks against various leaders and the degazettement of the Capital Hill Police Station at Bunge Towers on April 23, 2026.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured Kenyans that the rising cases of goonism and gun-related violence disrupting political meetings will be dealt with, saying security agencies have already identified those behind the chaos.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security on Thursday, Kanja said police had carried out investigations and established the networks funding and organising violent groups used to disrupt public events.
“The issues of goons and guns, honourable Chair and honourable Members, this issue of goons and guns is going to stop,” Kanja said.
“It is going to stop because these goons we have been investigating. I don’t want to say here because that is my work to do. We have clearly investigated. We have seen where they come from, who funds, who does what, who is the grassroots organiser and so forth.”
He said the National Police Service was taking the matter seriously and would ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“I want to assure you, Chair and honourable Members, this issue of goons and guns is going to stop. We are serious about that,” he added.
Kanja spoke as political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Sunday, April 26, in Kisumu, where leaders allied to a breakaway Orange Democratic Movement faction are expected to hold a major political gathering.
He assured organisers and attendees of adequate security, saying police would protect everyone attending the rally as long as organisers complied with the law.
“The meeting in Kisumu, I want to ensure that the meeting will be fully secured. But I also equally request from the organisers that we follow the law,” he said.
Kanja said Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly, but organisers also have a responsibility to ensure peace and order during such events.
“Even the organisers have a responsibility to ensure that there is peace in that. So we work together, and everything will be okay. From where I sit, I want to assure you that your meeting will be safe and secure. Those who want to attend are free to attend,” he said.
The Sunday rally is expected to bring together key leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
The meeting comes amid growing divisions within ODM, with rival factions jostling for influence in the Luo Nyanza political landscape
Kisumu has traditionally been viewed as a major political base for ODM and the late opposition chief Raila Odinga, making Sunday’s rally politically significant.
Kanja also condemned the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, a key figure in the Linda Mwananchi camp, saying those involved would face the law.
“What happened to Senator Osotsi was not right. I want to assure him and the people of Kenya that at the end of the day, everyone who committed an offence there will have their time to stand before a court of law,” he said.
The assurances come as the government moves to calm tensions and reinforce constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and political participation across the country.
