NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has issued a detailed update on its ongoing investigations into police conduct during the violent clashes that erupted across the country during the 2024 protests against the Finance Bill.
The protests, which took place in June 2024, saw widespread demonstrations met with a heavy-handed police response.
IPOA has since launched a series of probes into the incidents, with at least 60 deaths and hundreds of injuries reported.
In a statement issued on April 28, 2025, IPOA revealed that it has made significant progress in its investigations.
The Authority has completed inquiries into 22 of the 60 reported deaths, with 36 other cases still under active investigation.
Furthermore, two of the cases have already been brought before the courts. The investigations primarily focus on police actions that resulted in civilian deaths, injuries, and alleged violations of human rights during the unrest.
IPOA’s latest update follows the airing of a BBC documentary, Blood Parliament, which exposed the extent of police violence and urged the Authority to provide transparency in its efforts to hold officers accountable.
“We remain committed to ensuring justice for the victims of the police violence witnessed during the demonstrations,” said Ahmed Issack Hassan, IPOA Chairperson. “Our investigations are ongoing, and we will continue to act impartially and independently in the pursuit of justice.”
Key Findings and Challenges
Out of the 60 death cases reported to IPOA, 22 have been thoroughly investigated.
Among these, eight cases are in the final internal review phase, with some cases already forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further legal action.
Other investigations are nearing the completion of report writing before being submitted to the ODPP for independent review.
The investigative team has also been actively working to address challenges such as non-cooperation from some police officers and witnesses, which has delayed the progress of several cases.
However, IPOA remains determined to overcome these obstacles to ensure transparency and accountability.
“We have faced resistance in some instances, but we are working closely with the police command to address these issues,” said IPOA in its statement. “We will not allow these challenges to undermine the process of delivering justice to the victims.”
Unrest Across Multiple Regions
The demonstrations, which were sparked by widespread opposition to the Finance Bill, saw clashes between police forces and protesters in multiple regions, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kakamega, and Mombasa.
IPOA’s report details various incidents, including gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma caused by police actions during the protests.
In Nairobi, the capital, several victims were reported to have been shot near the Parliament area and other key locations, including CBD and Githurai.
In Kisumu and Eldoret, similar incidents occurred, with victims sustaining serious injuries from blunt objects and gunfire.
In total, the Authority recorded 233 injury cases, with 191 of those still under investigation.
Call for Accountability and Reform
IPOA’s report is clear: if any police officers are found responsible for misconduct, appropriate recommendations will be made to the relevant state agencies.
The Authority has called on law enforcement agencies to cooperate fully with its investigations and emphasized the importance of following the law when it comes to the use of force during public protests.
The Chairperson also reiterated IPOA’s commitment to remain impartial and apolitical in all its operations.
“We will continue to scrutinize police conduct in a fair, transparent, and independent manner, ensuring that those responsible for violence are held accountable,” Hassan added.
The ongoing investigations by IPOA come at a critical time as public trust in law enforcement remains fragile.
The findings of this investigation could have long-term implications for police accountability, especially in the context of widespread protests against government policies.
A Long Road to Justice
Despite the challenges, IPOA remains resolute in its mission to hold police officers accountable for their actions during the demonstrations.
With hundreds of people affected by the violence, the Authority’s role in upholding human rights and fostering justice has never been more crucial.
The results of IPOA’s investigations, once completed, will be pivotal in shaping the discourse on police conduct in Kenya, especially as the country prepares for upcoming elections and as tensions around government policies continue to rise.
“We will continue to provide regular updates and ensure that justice is served for the victims of the police violence during the protests,” IPOA concluded in its statement.
