Overview: Alarming Findings on Use of Force
A scathing report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reveals disturbing levels of police misconduct, unlawful force, and systemic failures in managing the nationwide demonstrations across Kenya during June and July 2025 (The Star). The protests, prompted by the custodial death of Albert Ojwang’, Gen‑Z anniversary and Saba Saba commemorations, resulted in 65 civilian deaths, 342 civilian injuries, and 171 police injuries .
Casualties, Arrests & Regional Spread
- IPOA monitored protests from June 17 to July 7, documenting:
- 65 fatalities
- 342 civilian injuries
- 171 police injuries
- A total of 1,126 arrests were made, most on July 7 (720 arrests), followed by June 25 (362 arrests) and only four on June 17 .
- Protests occurred across at least 24–48 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Embu, and more .
Key Events & Violations
June 12 & 17: Death of Albert Ojwang’ Sparks Outrage
Albert Ojwang’, a teacher and blogger, was arrested June 6 in Homa Bay and died in custody June 8 during transfer to Nairobi. His autopsy revealed signs of assault—head trauma and neck compression—contradicting police claims of self-harm. President Ruto later confirmed Ojwang died “at the hands of the police” .
Protests began June 9 across Nairobi and other cities, calling for justice for Ojwang’s death .
June 25: Gen‑Z Anti-Finance Bill Commemoration
In remembrance of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, IPOA documented 23 fatalities, 195 civilian injuries, 99 police injuries, and 362 arrests on June 25 alone .
July 7: Saba Saba Protests
The 35th anniversary Saba Saba protests saw 41 civilian deaths, 146 injuries, 72 police injuries, and 720 arrests nationwide .
Police Conduct & Legal Breaches
- Officers concealed identities, violating legal requirements under CAP 84—no visible name tags or service numbers were displayed .
- IPOA observed police deploying live bullets, tear gas, water cannons, whips, and batons, often disproportionally and without due restraint .
- Property destruction was widespread: looting of stores (e.g., Quickmart, Naivas, Pizza Inn) and damage to public infrastructure in Nairobi, Embu, Nakuru, Kisumu, etc., allegedly exacerbated by infiltrating civilians (“goons”) .
- IPOA also noted police officers on duty had no meals or allowances, undermining operational integrity and morale. The absence of food made response efforts even more chaotic .
Institutional Challenges & Recommendations
IPOA highlighted critical gaps in funding and capacity:
- According to Chair Issack Hassan, IPOA’s equipment licenses (e.g. DVR analysis tools) are expired, forcing external assistance despite owning modern analysis tools .
- Cooperation issues with the police service and the ODPP: only five of the 65 deaths were formally reported to IPOA as required, undermining independent oversight .
- Only 22 investigations from the 2024 protests have been forwarded to ODPP; many were returned or closed without action .
IPOA’s key recommendations:
- Enforce legal identity display for all officers.
- Ensure deployment of restraint tools only when necessary.
- Prioritize full transparency and reporting of protest-related deaths.
- Strengthen funding for IPOA to analyze digital evidence, support investigations, and enhance public awareness (The Star).
Broader Context & Accountability
Local and international rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and Kenya Human Rights Commission echo concerns over continued extrajudicial violence and enforced disappearances during these protests (Human Rights Watch).
Critics argue that repeated violations reflect systemic failures in law enforcement and call for radical reforms within the National Police Service to fulfill constitutional mandates (ipoa.news, Human Rights Watch).
⚖️ Legal & Civic Resources
- Learn more about Kenya’s Public Order Management Act and CAP 84 guidelines on the Kenya Law Reports official site.
- The Human Rights Watch report on Kenyan protests outlines patterns of enforcement excess (Pulselive Kenya, Human Rights Watch).
Also relevant: check coverage on Albert Ojwang’s autopsy findings on BBC News and IPOA’s official site for updates on ongoing investigations.
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For further analysis or follow‑up, explore our sections on IPOA oversight and on justice reform demands.
