The political temperature in Nairobi has reached a fever pitch. In a move that signals a deepening rift between the state and the opposition, leaders from the United Opposition are set to storm the Inspector General of Police’s office this Friday, demanding an explanation for what they term a calculated "withdrawal of security" designed to expose them to harm.

This confrontation follows a formal letter penned by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala to Inspector General Douglas Kanja. The stakes are incredibly high; the opposition argues that the systematic stripping of their security detail is not merely an administrative reshuffle but a weaponization of the state apparatus. With the 2027 General Election horizon looming, the safety of high-profile figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has become a flashpoint for national stability.

A Chronology of Intimidation

The opposition’s dossier, which will be tabled before IG Kanja, details a harrowing timeline of alleged state-sponsored harassment. Malala’s letter catalogues over 20 specific incidents where opposition leaders were reportedly targeted by criminal gangs or met with excessive force by the police themselves. The narrative is chilling:

• November 28, 2024: A funeral service in Limuru, Kiambu County, descended into chaos when goons allegedly targeted Gachagua, forcing his detail to evacuate him.
• December 28, 2024: In Shamata, Nyandarua County, a peaceful gathering was shattered when a teargas canister was lobbed at opposition vehicles, an act the opposition claims was an assassination attempt in disguise.
• January 18, 2026: The spouse of a party leader was ambushed during a prayer rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri Town, signaling that families are no longer off-limits.

"We are not asking for special treatment; we are demanding our constitutional right to life," Malala stated in a briefing earlier today. "When the state withdraws protection from leaders who command the loyalty of millions, they are inviting anarchy. We will not be sitting ducks."

The "Hired Thugs" Allegation

The most explosive claim in the opposition’s arsenal is the allegation of collusion between the police and "hired thugs." During the recent disruption at the ACK Witima Church in Nyeri, witnesses reported seeing known political goons operating with impunity while uniformed officers looked on. This blurring of lines between law enforcement and political militia poses a grave threat to Kenya’s democratic fabric. If the police cannot—or will not—distinguish themselves from partisan enforcers, the path to 2027 will be paved with violence.

The State’s Calculated Silence

Despite these grave accusations, the National Police Service has maintained a stoic, almost deafening silence. IG Kanja’s office has yet to issue a comprehensive rebuttal to the claims of bias. This silence is being interpreted by political analysts as a tactical maneuver to exhaust the opposition. However, by taking the fight directly to the IG’s doorstep, the United Opposition is forcing the state to show its hand. The meeting on Friday is not just a dialogue; it is a litmus test for the independence of Kenya’s security institutions.

As the clock ticks towards Friday 10:00 AM, the eyes of the nation are fixed on Police Headquarters. Will IG Kanja offer a credible roadmap for restoring security, or will this meeting mark the beginning of a total breakdown in relations between the government and its critics? The opposition has drawn a line in the sand: restore our security, or accept responsibility for whatever follows.