A civil society alliance has sharply criticised top government and police leaders over the deadly crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, saying Kenya is facing a deep crisis of integrity and leadership within its security agencies.

In a detailed statement on Tuesday, the National Integrity Alliance (NIA) condemned the use of state force against unarmed protesters and demanded the resignation of key officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Deputy IG Eliud Lagat, over what it described as grave human rights violations.

“NIA strongly condemns the escalation of state-sponsored violence,” the statement read. “These acts, carried out under the guise of law enforcement, reflect a failure to uphold constitutional values and ensure accountability.”

The alliance cited numerous reports of abductions, arbitrary arrests, sexual assault, and destruction of property during demonstrations held on June 25. It further described the government’s handling of protests as a deliberate attempt to silence dissent and criminalise public participation.

Referencing the report Silenced but Unbowed by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, NIA highlighted alarming statistics: at least 63 people were killed, 63 allegedly abducted, 26 are still missing, and more than 600 injured between 2023 and 2025—most during protests pushing for justice and reforms.

One of the deaths cited was that of schoolteacher and blogger Albert Ojwang’, whose killing the alliance said reflects systemic gaps in accountability and a deep-rooted culture of impunity within the security sector.

NIA criticised the government’s response, describing the recent decision by Deputy Inspector General Lagat to step aside as inadequate and lacking legal clarity. “The killing of Albert Ojwang’ and the symbolic stepping aside of Deputy IG Lagat point to deeper structural challenges in holding security forces accountable,” the alliance said.

The alliance also demanded the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of justifying police violence instead of addressing it. “By defending the actions of the police and not addressing concerns raised about the use of force, Murkomen risks undermining public confidence,” NIA stated, calling for his resignation and a formal apology.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja was similarly called upon to leave office for allegedly failing to safeguard constitutional rights and allowing excessive force by the police. “The Bill of Rights is not optional,” the alliance emphasised. “It is the foundation of Kenya’s constitutional democracy.”

NIA also raised alarm over the disappearance of activist and blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, who went missing after an alleged raid on his home in Kinoo on June 21. A High Court has since ordered the IG to produce him or provide a credible explanation. NIA demanded his safe return and full accountability for those behind his disappearance.

In addition, the alliance condemned the ongoing legal pursuit of human rights defenders John Mulingwa Nzau (Garang), Mark Amiani (Generali), and Francis Mutunge Mwangi (Chebukati), arguing that the charges against them are unjust and should be withdrawn immediately.

Among eight key demands, NIA called for urgent reforms within the National Police Service, stronger oversight by Parliament and the Presidency, protection of civic spaces, and the immediate end to the criminalisation of dissent.

The alliance further called for transparent prosecutions of all individuals involved in violence against protesters, independent investigations into all protest-related deaths—including that of Boniface Kariuki—and clear accountability measures for all security officials who violate their constitutional duties.

“A culture of repression threatens Kenyans for exercising their fundamental freedoms,” NIA warned.