IG Kanja Reveals Why Police Might Use Live Ammunition During Protests

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has revealed that a shortage of riot equipment during protests forces police officers to resort to live ammunition.

While appearing before the Administration and Internal Security Committee, on Friday, February 20, 2026, chaired by Narok West Member of Parliament (MP) Gabriel Tongoyo, IG Kanja spoke on behalf of the National Police Service (NPS), which is seeking enhanced resource allocation for FY 2026/27.

He decried inadequate funding, stating that the Service requires additional resources to procure crowd and riot control equipment, as well as motor vehicles to improve operational mobility.

“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,” said IG Kanja.

IG Kanja Highlights Funding Gaps in Police Operations

Besides the inadequate stock of equipment, IG Kanja also highlighted security operations, enhancement of air support services, and training and capacity building as key priority areas that require funding.

Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which also appeared before the parliamentary committee, noted that it requires KSh 73.6 million to clear 840 backlog investigations out of 3,935 cases.

Also Read: Autopsy Reveals What Killed Man at Sifuna’s Kitengela Rally

IPOA CEO Elema Halake stated that the Authority has made significant progress in overseeing the National Police Service. He further requested an additional allocation of KSh 710.59 million to address budgetary shortfalls and support critical activities.

The Gabriel Tongoyo-led Committee is expected to table its report on the budget proposals before the House.

President Ruto Directs Police to Shoot Protesters on the Leg

The use of live ammunition instead of rubber bullets by police officers during protests has consistently sparked public concern over excessive force. Recent cases include the 2024 Gen Z protests, the 2025 Saba Saba protests, and a political rally in Kitengela organised by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, where one resident was shot dead by a police officer on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

However, leaders, including President William Ruto and the Interior Cabinet Secretary, have in the past defended police actions, insisting that those who break the law should be dealt with firmly and decisively.

Also Read: Police Commander Ali Nuno Clarifies Shoot-to-Kill Orders

In July 2025, amid nationwide anti-government protests over economic issues, corruption, and police brutality, President Ruto publicly instructed police to shoot individuals involved in looting or vandalising property “in the leg” to incapacitate them without killing.

“Anyone going to burn people’s property should be shot in the leg, be hospitalised, and later taken to court upon recovery. Do not kill them but break their legs,” said President Ruto.

At the time, President Ruto echoed earlier directives from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to “shoot on sight” those approaching police stations with alleged criminal intent.

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