Kenya police detain activists protesting alleged police brutality
Kenyan police detained activists in Nairobi during a protest over alleged police brutality, deaths in custody and extrajudicial killings.
Protesters gathered outside police headquarters on Monday, August 17, demanding the resignation of Inspector General Douglas Kanja. Footage shows officers carrying activists into a detention van as demonstrators chanted “Kanja must go!”, while white mock coffins marked “Protect us” were placed outside Jogoo House. Human rights activist Julius Kamau accused police of killing people without reason and called for greater action to defend freedom, justice and equality.
The protest comes after years of scrutiny of Kenya’s police over deaths in custody, enforced disappearances and alleged excessive force during demonstrations. Public anger intensified following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody in June 2025, after an autopsy contradicted the initial police account, which Kanja later withdrew and apologised for. Kanja has said extrajudicial killings are illegal and that officers found responsible for misconduct would face action.
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