Police Deny 'Shoot to Kill' Order Amid Githurai Demolition Protests
Nairobi, 20 February 2026
Kenya’s National Police Service has debunked viral social media claims that Inspector General Douglas Kanja issued lethal force orders against Githurai protesters. The false directive emerged after residents blocked Thika Superhighway for two days, protesting roadside stall demolitions by Kenya National Highways Authority. Police emphasised that operational decisions remain guided by constitutional provisions on force usage, not fabricated social media posts.
Viral Misinformation Spreads Rapidly
The National Police Service issued its clarification on Friday, 20 February 2026, after a fabricated graphic bearing a local news logo circulated widely on social media platforms [1]. The fake post, dated 19 February 2026, falsely quoted Inspector General Kanja as threatening to shoot residents who blocked roads with stones and burnt tyres [1]. The viral misinformation also purported that harsh consequences would befall anyone disrupting peace, prompting the NPS to caution the public against spreading unverified information [1]. Police emphasised that no such directive was issued and that operational decisions continue to be guided by constitutional provisions governing the use of force [1].
Two Days of Disruptive Protests
The protests erupted on Wednesday and Thursday this week following the demolition of roadside stalls by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) [1]. Demonstrators, primarily traders whose livelihoods depended on these structures, barricaded sections of the Thika Superhighway and set tyres ablaze near the Githurai overpass, bringing traffic along the busy route to a complete standstill [1]. The residents claimed that KeNHA’s demolition was abrupt and lacked adequate public participation and a clear relocation plan [1]. Police were deployed on Thursday morning to disperse the demonstrators and clear the road after protesters maintained their barricades [1].
Night Demolitions Catch Traders Off Guard
The contentious demolitions took place on the evening of Wednesday, 18 February 2026, with excavators and other earth-moving equipment deployed along Thika Road to destroy structures located on road reserves [1]. Despite an earlier notice issued to traders operating along the road reserve, several business owners were caught unaware, with some goods still inside the structures at the time of demolition [1]. The timing and execution of the demolitions became a key grievance for the affected traders, who argued they had insufficient time to relocate their businesses and salvage their stock.
Police Urge Reliance on Official Channels
In its statement, the National Police Service urged Kenyans to rely exclusively on verified communication from official NPS social media accounts and credible news outlets [1]. The clarification comes amid growing concerns about the proliferation of fake news and misinformation during periods of civil unrest [GPT]. The police service’s emphasis on constitutional compliance in operational decisions reflects ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement tactics during public demonstrations in Kenya [GPT]. The incident highlights the challenges authorities face in combating misinformation whilst managing legitimate public grievances over development projects that affect local communities.