NAIROBI – Eight civilians are dead and at least 207 others injured after nationwide protests marking the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-finance bill demonstrations, according to a preliminary report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
IPOA officers were deployed early Tuesday to monitor police conduct in handling crowds during the Gen Z-led commemorative protests. The agency also stationed teams at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Situation Room to document and respond to any human rights violations.
The protests spread across 24 counties, disrupting transport services, commercial operations, and public institutions. IPOA confirmed that at least 61 suspected protesters were arrested. The demonstrations turned chaotic in multiple locations following infiltration by violent groups, resulting in widespread destruction of private and public property.
The Authority has raised alarm over police conduct. According to the monitoring report, officers used a range of crowd control weapons including live bullets, tear gas, water cannons, batons, whips, and other forceful measures. IPOA flagged cases where officers fired live rounds into crowds, causing serious gunshot injuries.
“IPOA documented the use of excessive and varied force by police officers, including live ammunition,” the report read. “Officers were also observed concealing their identities, which violates legal requirements for transparency and accountability.”
Though IPOA also reported that some officers sustained injuries during confrontations, the exact number of affected police personnel was not disclosed.
Witness accounts and video evidence collected by IPOA teams show multiple instances where police used disproportionate force, including against nonviolent demonstrators. The Authority stated it has already begun initial investigations into these incidents.
“IPOA will sustain its monitoring operations overnight. A full report with actionable recommendations will follow,” Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan confirmed in a statement issued late Tuesday evening.
Kenyans affected by the protests or police response were urged to report complaints directly to IPOA via its toll-free line 1559 or regional offices in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Meru, Eldoret, Garissa, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Nyeri.
The protests were held to honor young lives lost during the 2024 demonstrations against the Finance Bill, where dozens were killed in police shootings after protesters stormed Parliament. Red Cross teams offered emergency medical aid to the injured during both last year’s and this year’s unrest.
IPOA’s full monitoring report is expected to provide a clearer picture of the violations and guide disciplinary or prosecutorial measures where necessary. The Authority’s mandate is to investigate deaths and injuries resulting from police action and ensure justice for victims.
