The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an urgent investigation into the actions of police officers during the June 25 protests that rocked multiple counties across Kenya.
The protests, held to commemorate victims of last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, turned deadly and chaotic.
IPOA’s preliminary findings are damning—eight deaths (later confirmed to be 11), over 200 injuries, and the use of live ammunition and excessive force by officers meant to uphold the law.
In a statement released shortly after the demonstrations, IPOA confirmed it had deployed monitoring teams countrywide to observe how the National Police Service managed public order.
The oversight body says it will now probe the conduct of officers in areas where reports of brutality, identity concealment, and unlawful arrests were widespread.
IPOA Launches Probe Into Police Conduct During June 25 Protests
IPOA’s preliminary report paints a grim picture of what unfolded during the protests. Demonstrations occurred in at least 24 out of Kenya’s 47 counties. The protests were largely peaceful at the start but quickly descended into violence following clashes with police.
The report notes that police deployed excessive force to disperse protesters, including the use of tear gas, water cannons, batons, and—in the most serious violation—live bullets. Some officers were caught on camera whipping civilians and assaulting journalists. The oversight body has flagged the deployment of live ammunition as a serious breach of public order policing protocols.
IPOA also noted a clear violation of the Constitution and policing regulations due to the concealment of police identities. In several viral videos, officers were seen engaging protesters while wearing masks or lacking name tags and service numbers. This breach complicates accountability and has sparked public fury.
The Authority further reported the arrest of at least 61 suspected protesters, many of whom may have been caught in the chaos without having committed any crimes. Additionally, IPOA recorded at least 207 injuries, a number that includes both civilians and officers. Multiple victims sustained gunshot wounds.
Public Property Damaged and Goons Infiltrate Protests
According to IPOA, several groups of goons infiltrated the demonstrations, causing panic and turning what began as a peaceful protest into a scene of destruction and chaos. This infiltration led to looting, vandalism, and attacks on public buildings and private businesses.
In Kikuyu town, for instance, protesters torched a court building and lit bonfires in sub-county offices. In Nairobi’s CBD, demonstrators and police engaged in intense running battles that brought city life to a standstill.
IPOA says its officers documented extensive damage to infrastructure and the obstruction of free movement and essential services. Public transport was paralyzed in parts of Nairobi, and several areas reported disrupted policing and emergency response services. Businesses closed for fear of looting, and many residents were forced to remain indoors as chaos unfolded.
IPOA also expressed concern about retaliatory acts by some members of the public. In one disturbing incident, a police officer was seriously injured after being attacked by protesters in an apparent act of revenge. The Authority condemned all forms of violence and emphasized the importance of lawful and peaceful demonstrations.
IPOA Joins Forces with Human Rights Commission for Full Investigation
To ensure transparency and accountability, IPOA has teamed up with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Officers from both agencies have set up a joint Situation Room where evidence—including video footage, testimonies, and medical reports—is being collected and reviewed.
“This collaboration will ensure a coordinated response to complaints of excessive force and unlawful conduct,” IPOA said. The Authority promised a full report upon the completion of its investigations, with recommendations for disciplinary and legal action where necessary.
The protests, largely organized by Kenyan Gen Z activists, were held to honour young lives lost during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. This year’s events, however, echoed the same tragic themes—death, police violence, and public outcry.
The public is now demanding accountability, not just from the police, but from the highest levels of government. IPOA’s probe into the police conduct during the June 25 protests is expected to test the state’s commitment to human rights, rule of law, and democratic freedoms.
