Inspector General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja has revealed that the National Police Service has run out of crowd and riot control equipment.
Speaking before the Administration and Internal Security Committee on February 20, Kanja stated that the Police Service requires additional funding to procure crowd and riot control equipment, as well as motor vehicles to enhance mobility.
The IG noted that the riot control equipment is important to ensure police officers do not resort to using live ammunition in protests.
“The recent riots have depleted the NPS stock of equipment necessary to ensure that police officers do not resort to live ammunition. In addition, the lack of vehicles has led to delays in police response, thereby hindering service delivery,” Kanja said.
In his submission, IG Kanja stated that security operations, enhanced air support services, and training and capacity-building are key priority areas that require funding.
Kanja requested additional funding from legislators for the 2026/27 financial year to enhance the Service’s operational efficiency.
At the same time, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) noted that it requires Ksh73.6 million to clear 840 backlog investigations out of 3,935 cases.
IPOA CEO, Elema Halake, stated that the authority has made progress in overseeing the National Police Service.
Murkomen Reveals IG Kanja Is Pursuing Kenyans With Illegal Teargas
On February 19, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the government is pursuing Kenyans suspected of being in illegal possession of teargas canisters and other ammunition
Speaking in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, after a high-level security and consultative meeting with conservancies, the CS said security agencies are also investigating police officers suspected of colluding with criminals to unlawfully supply them with teargas and ammunition.
Also Read: Teargas Disrupts Meeting Attended by Gachagua Allies
He warned that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
“The Inspector General of Police is investigating whether some civilians have teargas canisters or whether police officers are colluding with civilians to unlawfully supply them with the equipment,” he said.
Murkomen also warned that criminals might acquire teargas canisters and other lethal ammunition, including firearms, via fraudulent means.
Also Read: Ruto Hits Back at Uhuru Kenyatta Over Supporting GenZ Protests
GenZ Protests
On June 25, 2025, thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to mark the 2024 youth-led demonstrations against tax hikes.
Demonstrators clashed with police, who lobbed tear gas canisters and wielded batons.
At least 60 people were killed by security forces, according to Kenya Human rights groups.
Another 400 people were injured, including protesters, police, and journalists.
The UN rights body called for urgent investigations into the conduct of law enforcement officers, especially following reports that some protesters suffered gunshot wounds.
The body reminded Kenyan authorities that the use of lethal force by police must adhere strictly to international human rights standards.
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