The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that 65 people were killed during public protests held across Kenya in June and July this year. The authority blamed the deaths on excessive force used by police and violations of legal procedures meant to protect citizens’ rights. In its official report released Thursday, IPOA stated that police officers failed to follow constitutional guidelines when managing the protests, treating them as riots instead of peaceful demonstrations protected by law.
The conduct of the National Police Service fell short of constitutional standards, IPOA stated ,Officers used disproportionate force, failed to ensure public safety, and operated without accountability. Of the 65 confirmed deaths, IPOA said it was notified of only five, as required by law. This, the agency noted, undermines independent oversight and signals a persistent culture of non-compliance within the police service.
The report further indicated that IPOA has already participated in 61 autopsies, including that of Victor Otieno, a final-year student at Thika Technical Training Institute. Otieno was shot during the June 25 protests in Juja. His family said they faced delays in burying him due to IPOA’s slow response and the police’s failure to release the autopsy report. The late Victor was shot in Juja, but it has been a long agonizing wait for his family to get clearance for his burial. They blame IPOA for the slow turning of the wheels of justice. “We went to IPOA and gave our statements. From there, they told me they’d need me again. They said they are still gathering evidence, which means police have yet to submit a report,” said Patrick Oduor, Victor’s father. “We have not yet gotten the post-mortem report from the police because they are telling us that IPOA has not approved it. They are taking us in circles.”. His case is among 65 deaths tied to four major protests held between June and July.
According to IPOA, one person was killed during protests over the death of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody. Twenty-three others died during the June 25 demonstrations commemorating the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. The highest toll came from the Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, which left 41 dead. Fatalities were reported in 18 counties.
IPOA’s figures align with those from the Interior Ministry but differ slightly from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, which reported over 60 deaths during the Saba Saba protests alone.
The report accused officers of deploying without visible name tags, ranks, or proper identification. IPOA said police commanders concealed their identities and failed to intervene when counter-protesters appeared to support the government. Officers were also accused of hiding vehicle registration numbers.
IPOA called on the Inspector General of Police to take urgent corrective steps, including ensuring that all officers and police vehicles are clearly identified during public order operations, equipping officers with body cameras, and guaranteeing respect for the right to peaceful assembly.
“These are not just administrative oversights,” the agency stated. “They represent a breakdown in trust and accountability that threatens public safety and democratic expression.”
The oversight body also called for improved treatment of police officers assigned to protests, noting that many were sent into operations without basic needs like meals, clean water, or protective gear.
IPOA’s findings come at a time of heightened scrutiny of police brutality and law enforcement agencies, particularly following repeated incidents of deadly force during demonstrations. The authority now awaits action from the National Police Service and the Office of the Inspector General to implement its recommendations.
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