By Linet Amuli - Reporter
Kenya, November 22 ,2025 - Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has firmly rejected allegations that members of the National Police Service (NPS) are behind a series of abductions reported in Kenya over the past year. The police chief maintained that such claims are inconsistent with the Constitution and the mandate of the service, insisting that no officer is allowed,or encouraged, to operate outside the law.
During an extensive interview on NTV on Friday evening, Kanja described the accusations as misleading and damaging to the integrity of the NPS. He reiterated that every police officer is required to operate within strict guidelines and that any deviation amounts to individual misconduct rather than institutional practice.
“Our officers understand the limits of their authority. Abduction is not a police function, and it will never be,” Kanja said. “Any officer who chooses to engage in illegal acts does so as an individual and will face disciplinary action guided by the law.”
The IG’s remarks come amid mounting public concern following an increase in reports of disappearances, especially during and after last year’s anti-government protests. Human rights groups have documented 82 cases of abduction or enforced disappearance since June of the previous year, with 29 people still unaccounted for.
Many of the victims have been activists, bloggers, political critics, and community mobilizers,raising fears about shrinking civic space in the country. Civil society groups have repeatedly accused security agencies of orchestrating the arrests and holding individuals incommunicado, claims the police leadership continues to dispute.
Kanja acknowledged the anxiety but insisted that the NPS had no policy or directive targeting citizens for expressing dissenting opinions. He urged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing by officers to file official complaints to facilitate investigations.
During the interview, Kanja also addressed questions surrounding the dramatic escape of Collins Jumaisi, also known as Kalusha, the key suspect linked to the gruesome murder of 42 women whose mutilated bodies were discovered at a quarry in Mukuru kwa Njenga. The case, arguably one of the most chilling in recent Kenyan history, shocked the nation and raised questions about systemic lapses in policing.
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Jumaisi escaped police custody last year under circumstances that sparked a nationwide debate about accountability and possible collusion within the service. According to Kanja, internal investigations were promptly conducted, revealing negligence and potential misconduct by some officers.
“We established what transpired at the station where he escaped,” Kanja explained. “Those who failed in their duty or were involved in aiding the escape have already faced internal disciplinary processes.”
The IG further disclosed that a renewed manhunt for Jumaisi is ongoing. He assured the public that the suspect’s recapture is a top priority, adding that intelligence teams are pursuing fresh leads.
“I am confident that we will get him,” he said. “He must answer for the crimes he is accused of, and justice must be served for the victims and their families.” Kanja concluded by noting that while the police service faces challenges, it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and working with citizens to improve security.
He encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities through official channels.
