Kenya’s opposition leaders have escalated pressure on the government by announcing they will no longer engage with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing state officials of obstructing justice in investigations linked to the Witima ACK Church attack in Othaya.
In a joint press statement issued Thursday, the United Alternative Government coalition said it had lost confidence in the police leadership following a January 30 meeting at Jogoo House, Nairobi.
The meeting addressed the violent incident at Witima ACK Church and an alleged attempt on the life of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The opposition said they had expected an update during a scheduled follow-up meeting on February 16 but were informed that the Inspector General would be unavailable until February 20.
They claim to have since received credible information that investigations were completed and implicated 12 police officers who allegedly carried out the attack using government vehicles.
According to the statement, the investigative file was prepared for submission to the Director of Public Prosecutions but was allegedly intercepted by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen with instructions that no prosecution should proceed.
The coalition termed the alleged move a “criminal abuse of power” and an affront to the constitutional independence of the prosecutorial process.
Citing Article 157 of the Constitution, the leaders announced plans to initiate private prosecutions against the officers allegedly involved and two unnamed Members of Parliament from Murang’a and Nyeri counties accused of financing the operation.
They argued that the law permits private prosecutions where state authorities fail or refuse to act.
The statement was issued by opposition principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa and Fred Matiang'i.
They also placed the police service on notice against interfering with planned public rallies scheduled in Nairobi, Kisii, Nyamira and Nakuru between February 22 and 28, stating the gatherings are protected under Article 37 of the Constitution guaranteeing peaceful assembly.
The coalition insisted it would pursue accountability “with or without” state cooperation, framing the dispute as a test of the rule of law and equal justice under the Constitution.