IG Douglas Kanja Assures Security for Kisumu Political Rally on Sunday

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured that a political rally scheduled for Sunday in Kisumu will be secured and allowed to proceed without disruption.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations on Thursday, Kanja said the National Police Service had put in place adequate measures to protect the event. He urged organisers and attendees to comply with legal requirements, noting that the right to peaceful assembly is protected. 

He told senators that anyone wishing to attend the rally would be free to do so under police protection. His remarks follow an incident on 8 April in which Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi reported being assaulted and robbed by a group of men at an eatery in Kisumu. 

Kanja said investigators had identified networks linked to such groups, including their sources of funding, and said that those responsible would be prosecuted. He added that the use of organised gangs would be addressed.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said some suspects left the country after the incident and that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is working with international partners to trace them. Three suspects, Eric Otieno, Vincent Odhiambo, and Carlos Owiti, have been arrested and charged with robbery with violence and theft. 

They were released on bond and are expected to return to court on 6 May. The matter has prompted renewed calls from political leaders for impartial policing during public events. 

Kisii Senator Okongo Omogeni urged the Inspector General to uphold the right to assembly, while Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said opposition organisers have complied with legal notification requirements. Osotsi said the assurance from the police was noted but emphasised the need for firm action against those responsible for political violence. 

He confirmed that the rally would proceed in Kisumu on Sunday under police protection.