The Kenya Human Rights Commission has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge police officers implicated in recent killings, warning of private prosecution if no action is taken. The statement follows the fatal shooting of a medical student in Nairobi and at least six other deaths since January. The commission also demanded the immediate resignation of Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) issued a statement on February 10, 2026, giving the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seven days to launch charges against police officers linked to several killings since the start of the year. The ultimatum comes after the shooting of Sharon Adhiambo, a first-year student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), who was killed by police on February 7, 2026, in Huruma, Nairobi. An autopsy released that day confirmed her death from a single gunshot wound.
The KHRC has recorded at least seven such police killings, including 14-year-old Dennis Ringa in Mombasa on January 1; 20-year-old Shukri Adan in Mukuru kwa Njenga on January 11; 40-year-old George Gathu Matheri in Nyeri on January 18; 52-year-old Godfrey Muyonga and 34-year-old Benedict Isiakali in Kakamega on January 19; and 29-year-old James Muraga Maina and 45-year-old Daniel Nudhu Njoki in Kahawa West on February 1.
The commission also highlighted multiple injuries from police actions, such as assaults in Nandi and Kahawa West, and a shooting during demolition protests in Mukuru kwa Njenga. It stated that the officers violated the Constitution, particularly Article 25 protecting the right to life, and Articles 29 and 244 requiring police to uphold human rights and act professionally.
While recognizing ongoing investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the KHRC criticized their slow progress, saying it denies justice to victims and families. The group called for the arrest and prosecution of the involved officers, as well as accountability for commanding officers at the time. If the DPP does not act within seven days, the KHRC plans to pursue private prosecution. Additionally, it demanded the resignation of Inspector-General Douglas Kanja due to what it described as systemic abuse and a culture of impunity in the police service.
