NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has strongly condemned a series of attacks on police stations, officers and critical infrastructure across the country, warning that those involved will face the full force of the law.
In a presser issued Friday, April 17, the Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, described the incidents as a “disturbing pattern of coordinated and escalating lawlessness” that threatens national security and public safety.
“These criminal acts are not merely unlawful—they represent a grave and direct assault on national security, public safety and community stability. The urgency of a decisive response cannot be overstated,” Kanja said.
According to the police chief, the attacks reported in several counties have targeted police stations, officers and other critical infrastructure, raising concerns about organised efforts to undermine law enforcement and national stability.
Kanja emphasised that police stations play a crucial role in maintaining security and protecting communities, warning that any assault on such facilities is effectively an attack on the public itself.
“Police stations are not just buildings; they are the bedrock of public safety, emergency response and the first line of defence. To attack a police station is to attack the very security of the public it serves,” he said.
The Inspector-General revealed that the NPS has activated comprehensive and lawful strategies to respond to the emerging threats.
He said the operations are being carried out in collaboration with the public and other security agencies to ensure perpetrators are apprehended swiftly.
“Intensified operations are underway to bring perpetrators swiftly to justice, thereby establishing an unassailable precedent that will deter future offenders,” he added.
Kanja also raised alarm over what he described as an increase in politically instigated violence, accusing some leaders across the political divide of mobilising criminal gangs to fuel unrest.
“The alarming surge in political violence and thuggery, instigated by leaders across the political divide through the use of goons and criminal gangs, constitutes a direct threat to national security and will not be tolerated,” he warned.
The police boss cautioned that anyone involved in organising or participating in such acts must cease immediately or risk severe legal consequences.
“Failure to do so will result in the application of the full force of the law. No effort will be spared to hold perpetrators and their enablers accountable—regardless of their status or position in society,” he said.
At the same time, the NPS urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid unlawful assemblies, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Kanja also reminded officers within the service to strictly adhere to the law and respect human rights while executing their duties.
“Every action—whether during patrols, investigations, arrests or public order management—must be lawful, proportionate and professional. Respect for human rights, due process and the rule of law is non-negotiable,” he stated.
Despite the security concerns, the Inspector-General reassured Kenyans that the country remains safe and secure due to the efforts of security agencies.
“Kenya remains safe and secure thanks to the dedicated men and women in uniform who work tirelessly day and night to protect lives and property,” Kanja said.
He called on citizens, residents and visitors to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and support community policing efforts aimed at enhancing national safety.
