Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja has raised the alarm in Parliament, saying the National Police Service (NPS) is rapidly running out of critical crowd‑control equipment. He warned that depleted stocks of non‑lethal gear could compel officers to use live ammunition during protests.
Appearing before the Administration and Internal Security Committee on Friday, Kanja told lawmakers that recent demonstrations have strained the police budget and exhausted supplies of teargas, shields and other riot‑control tools.
The recent riots have depleted the NPS stock of equipment necessary to ensure that officers do not resort to live ammunition,” the Inspector General said, urging urgent Parliamentary action.
Kanja said the shortfall of vehicles has also slowed down operational responses, leaving officers unable to reach volatile scenes promptly. Lack of transport, he added, is compromising routine policing and undermining public safety efforts.
The IG called on legislators to increase funding for the service, specifically to replenish non‑lethal equipment, bolster air support and expand training for officers in modern crowd management tactics.
His remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny of police conduct, with human rights organisations quick to condemn any talk that could be interpreted as authorising lethal force against civilians.
Human rights defenders have repeatedly criticised the NPS over cases of alleged brutality, demanding accountability and clearer rules of engagement that prioritise civilian safety.
The warning is likely to reignite debate on the use of force in managing protests, particularly given Kenya’s recent history of youth‑led demonstrations over economic hardships and governance issues.
Last June, protests by Gen Z over the rising cost of living and the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang prompted fierce criticism of Government statements perceived as softening the rules on lethal force.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was forced to clarify his position after rights groups said his comments appeared to give police licence to employ live ammunition.
With Parliament now seized of the matter, legislators are expected to question the budget allocations for security and explore reforms to prevent further escalation during public demonstrations.
