Police IG Douglas Kanja Orders Crackdown on Nganyas, DCI Already Making Arrests

Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja has ordered flashy and customized matatus locally known as ‘Nganyas’ to cease their lawlessness on the roads.

The police have begun arresting operators and warned that no stone will be left unturned to restore order.

“The people of Kenya are free to do their business, but they must do their business within the law. So, if you are in the matatu industry and you are not following the law, then you are in a problem,” Kanja stated at a press conference on June 18, 2026.

He explicitly addressed the matatu and nganya sector: “So that happens to both the Niko and even the other Nganyas that you have mentioned. The time is up.”

Also Read: Parliament Rejects Plan to Cut Top PAYE Tax Rate, Defers Relief for Workers

DCI Apprehends PSV Operators, Vows to Capture All Nganya Fugitives

The Inspector General revealed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has already taken some operators into custody, with others on the run.

He pledged that the police would not rest until all lawbreakers were apprehended.

“The DCI, I know we have already arrested some. Some are hiding somewhere. But sooner or later, we are going to get them. Because there is nowhere to hide in this country. As long as you have committed crimes, we will get you. It doesn’t matter how long it takes.”

Also Read: Telkom Kenya Loses Over 160,000 Mobile Subscribers in Three Months

Addressing PSV Impunity and Enhancing Road Safety Measures

Kanja’s remarks follow public outrage and demand for action against errant public service vehicle (PSV) operators.

Earlier on the same day, authorities had reported that the IG “was unable to explain to Kenyans why police have failed to crack down on impunity by a section of PSV operators,” pointing to buses belonging to a suspended Sacco that were still operating in Nairobi.

Although the IG did not specifically address the case of the suspended Sacco, he connected the crackdown to the overall road safety agenda.

He warned that any modified vehicles operating recklessly under the guise of entertainment or culture and endangering other road users would be dealt with decisively.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

A modified nganya matatu on Nairobi roads. Police IG Douglas Kanja says operators flouting traffic laws will be arrested, warning that “the time is up” for lawbreaking in the name of culture. Credits Nganya Culture IG