VOCAL Africa Warns of Growing Police Inaction After Tseikuru and Garissa Killings

Rights group VOCAL Africa has condemned the National Police Service for failing to arrest suspects behind the recent killings of eight people in Tseikuru and a young man in Garissa, warning that unchecked police inaction is pushing the country toward lawlessness.

What Happened in Tseikuru and Garissa

In Tseikuru, gunmen killed eight people, including a young girl, leaving families devastated and the wider community gripped by fear.

In Garissa, a young man was shot dead by a named police officer, sparking public outrage and calls for an immediate arrest. In both cases, no suspects have been apprehended.

“Today it is Garissa, tomorrow it is Mwingi, the next day will be Mombasa, and then Nairobi,” said Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of VOCAL Africa. “We cannot have a country where police are failing in delivering on their mandates.”

A Pattern of Police Inaction, VOCAL Africa Says

The group said the two incidents reflect a broader systemic failure. It cited the escape of the Kware murder suspect from police custody, repeated defiance of court summons by officers, the killing of Albert Ojwang in police custody, and the failure to ensure accountability for violence during the 2023 Generation Z protests.

Walid Sketty, VOCAL Africa’s regional coordinator, called on Kenyans to speak out.

“When killers are not apprehended, justice is denied not just to the victims and their families but to society as a whole,” he said.

Police Inaction Kenya: Seven Demands Issued

Police Inaction Kenya: Seven Demands Issued

VOCAL Africa issued seven demands to the government and the National Police Service.

 These include immediate and transparent investigations into both killings, swift arrest and prosecution of all suspects, and disciplinary action against officers found negligent.

The group also called for urgent reforms to suspect management, an end to what it described as selective policing and political goonism, full compliance with court orders, and independent investigations into all deaths in police custody.

Call for Accountability Before 2027 Elections

Khalid said the situation is particularly urgent with Kenya approaching a general election cycle.

He warned that any cabinet secretary, inspector general, or officer who fails to perform their duties should resign or be dismissed.

The organization also called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate not only specific incidents but also the broader pattern of police failure to arrest suspects. “IPOA, we are asking that you immediately intervene,” Khalid said.