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• The former vice president, Rigathi Gachagua, openly urged Inspector General Douglas Kanja to resign after the unrest in Ol Kalou.
• Gunmen targeted reporters and fired at voters in the event, prompting broad criticism.
• Gachagua claimed that Kanja was ineffective, as his own relatives were killed by officers serving under his authority.

Amos Khaemba, a reporter for .co.ke, has more than four years of expertise in reporting on political and contemporary issues in Kenya.

Nyeri – Rigathi Gachagua, the former deputy president, has urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to step down, alleging that he has not adequately safeguarded citizens following an incident where armed individuals targeted journalists and fired upon voters in Ol Kalou.

Gachagua focused his comments directly on Kanja, challenging the IG’s power and suitability to head the National Police Service following the unrest.

“IG Douglas Kanja should step down and return home. You are a complete disgrace. The president is managing the police force without your knowledge. What kind of leader are you, allowing your relatives to be killed by the very individuals you are supposed to protect, while you remain powerless?” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua Denounces Ol Kalou Violence

The previous vice president’s comment was a direct reaction to the disorder observed in Ol Kalou, where armed individuals fired upon voters and physically attacked journalists covering the events. The incident quickly received criticism from political leaders, with Gachagua being one of the first to openly attribute responsibility to Kanja.

Gachagua claimed that the Inspector General had become powerless, implying that control over the police force had effectively bypassed Kanja and was now in the hands of the president.

Demands for Responsibility at the Highest Level

The comments mark one of the strongest public criticisms of the Inspector General’s leadership since the current government came into power.

Gachagua’s critique focuses on what he described as a failure to fulfill responsibilities, attributing the actions of officers under Kanja’s leadership directly to him.

The aggression in Ol Kalou, which includes assaults on journalists and ordinary people, has led to increased examination of the police force’s responsibility in ensuring peace and safeguarding individuals during times of political tension.