The National Police Service (NPS) has claims in viral post alleging that Inspector General Douglas Kanja issued a ‘shoot to kill’ order against protesting residents in Githurai.
In a statement on Friday, February 20, 2026, the police service described as fake a graphic purporting Kanja’s shoot-to-kill order.
The service cautioned the public against spreading unverified information.
According to the post, which was branded with a local news logo and dated February 19, 2026, IG Kanja’s quote was seen warning that residents blocking roads with stones and burning tyres would be shot.
The alleged post also threatened harsh consequences for anyone who disrupted peace.
However, the NPS clarified that the information was not authentic and did not originate from the police IG.
According to the service, the operational decisions continue to be guided by the Constitution, which governs the use of force.
This comes after protests were witnessed along the Thika Superhighway, which disrupted transport and businesses along the busy route.
According to reports, the residents taged protests on Wednesday and Thursday this week following the demolition of roadside stalls by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
The move followed the demolitions which took place on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, where the excavators and other earth movers deployed along Thika road to oversee the destruction of structures located on the road reserves.
Reports indicate that the emolitions came after an earlier notice issued to traders operating along the road reserve.
However, several trades were caught unaware by the demolitions.
