Activist Julius Kamau chained himself to the gate of Jogoo House in Nairobi on Monday as he and five other protesters demonstrated outside the office of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
The protest quickly drew a police response. Officers moved in to remove the demonstrators, with five taken towards a waiting police vehicle as Kamau remained attached to the gate.
The activists arrived carrying white coffins marked “Why kill Kenyans?” and placards demanding Kanja’s resignation. Some messages referred to alleged abductions, killings and police brutality.
Kamau, who has become known for highly visible solo protests, remained defiant as officers tried to free him.
Siogopi bana, niko tayari kufa nikigania Kenya,” he said in a video recorded during the protest. He then led those around him in chants of “We shall overcome”.
Protesters demand police accountability
The group carried crosses and coffins as they called for greater accountability from the police.
Their demonstration focused on allegations of killings and abductions, as well as broader concerns about the safety of Kenyans.
The protesters also criticised what they described as the taking of public land and urged Kenyans not to follow political leaders blindly.
There was no immediate public response from the office of the Inspector General addressing the protesters’ demands.
Police move to break up demonstration
As the demonstration continued, officers moved to disperse the group.
Five activists were taken towards a police vehicle while Kamau remained chained to the gate.
Officers eventually managed to unchain him and carried him towards the vehicle, where the other protesters had been taken.
All six activists were arrested, according to the account of the incident.
The arrest came as Kamau continued to call for freedom, justice and equality.
A familiar face at protests
Kamau has been a prominent presence at public demonstrations in Kenya for years, often staging solo protests or interrupting official events to draw attention to issues he considers important.
His activism has included campaigns on governance, the cost of living, human rights and accountability.
In July 2026, Kamau was among six activists arrested during Saba Saba demonstrations in Nairobi. The group later appeared before the Milimani Law Courts and denied charges of obstructing the operation of motor vehicles on a public road. They were released on bond.
Kamau also gained national attention in June 2024 after attempting to interrupt a photo session involving then Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u before the Budget presentation. He was later charged with creating a disturbance likely to cause a breach of peace and denied the allegations.
Kamau continues his activism
More recently, Kamau disrupted proceedings at the Milimani High Court in July 2026 during a case involving families seeking information about three missing Kenyans. Reports said the proceedings were temporarily interrupted as he protested and demanded answers.
Monday’s demonstration at Jogoo House is the latest in a series of public actions that have kept Kamau in the spotlight.
The six activists remain in police custody following the protest. Any charges arising from Monday’s arrests would be matters for the courts to determine.
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