National Police Service Dismisses ‘Shoot to Kill’ Claims in Githurai Protests
The National Police Service (NPS) has strongly denied claims circulating on social media that Inspector General Douglas Kanja issued a “shoot to kill” order against residents protesting in Githurai.
In a short but firm statement released on Friday, February 20, the police service described the viral post as fake and misleading. According to the NPS, the graphic being shared online does not represent any official communication from the Inspector General or the police service.
The agency warned members of the public against spreading unverified and inflammatory information, especially at a time when tensions are already high.
The viral post, which was branded with the logo of a local news outlet and dated February 19, 2026, claimed to quote IG Kanja as saying that residents who blocked roads using stones and burning tyres would be shot. It further suggested that anyone who attempted to disrupt public order would face severe consequences. The message quickly spread across social media platforms, raising alarm among residents and the wider public.
However, the NPS has clarified that no such directive was ever issued. The service emphasized that all police operations are guided strictly by the Constitution and existing laws, particularly those that regulate the use of force.
The police reiterated that they remain committed to maintaining law and order while respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens.
The clarification comes amid heightened protests by residents of Githurai along the busy Thika Superhighway. The demonstrations disrupted transportation and business activities along the major highway, which connects Nairobi to surrounding towns.
Residents took to the streets on Wednesday and Thursday following the demolition of roadside stalls by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The traders, many of whom depend on the stalls for their daily income, expressed anger and frustration over the demolitions.
During the protests, demonstrators barricaded parts of the highway using stones and other debris. They also set tyres on fire near the Githurai overpass, causing heavy traffic congestion and bringing movement along the highway to a complete standstill for several hours.
Motorists were forced to seek alternative routes as businesses along the stretch suffered losses due to the disruption.
Most of the protesters were small-scale traders who argued that KeNHA’s actions were sudden and poorly communicated. They claimed there was inadequate public participation and no clear relocation plan for those affected. Some traders said they were not given enough time to remove their goods before the demolitions began.
As tensions escalated on Thursday morning, police officers were deployed to the area to disperse the demonstrators and restore order. The officers worked to clear the barricaded sections of the road and reopen the highway to traffic.
The demolitions had taken place on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, when excavators and other heavy machinery were brought in to tear down structures built on the road reserve along Thika Road.
According to authorities, the exercise followed an earlier notice issued to traders operating illegally on the road reserve.
Despite the notice, several traders said they were caught off guard. Some claimed that they still had goods and personal belongings inside their structures when the demolitions began, leading to significant losses.
The incident has since sparked debate about enforcement procedures, public communication, and the balance between development and the protection of livelihoods.
As investigations into the viral “shoot to kill” claim continue, the police have urged Kenyans to rely on official communication channels for accurate information and to avoid spreading content that could cause unnecessary panic or tension.
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