IPOA issues status update on probe into June 25 protester killings after BBC exposé
The Authority's probe delved into several incidents in June 2024 across the country during mass protests against the Finance Bill, 2024, which saw clashes between police and demonstrators.
Following the shocking revelation that some security officers were behind the killing of protesters outside Parliament on June 25, last year, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) now says it has completed 22 investigations, is actively pursuing 36 others, and has two currently before the courts.
"Of the completed investigations, eight are under final internal review, four are in the final stages of report writing before submission to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for independent review, two were closed internally, four have been forwarded to the ODPP for review, and three were closed following ODPP directives," the Authority said in a statement released on Monday night.
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The Authority's probe delved into several incidents in June 2024 across the country during mass protests against the Finance Bill, 2024, which saw clashes between police and demonstrators.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), documented at least 60 deaths resulting from the protests and alleged acts of torture following abductions by purported state officials, triggering nationwide outrage that persists to date.
Kenyans recalled the painful events of that time on Monday when the BBC, in a documentary titled Blood Parliament, revealed the identities of three security officials allegedly responsible for killing at least three protesters outside Parliament buildings on that fateful day.
Following the release of the documentary, Kenyans are again pressing the State to hold the officers responsible for the killings to account, with IPOA, the lead civilian oversight mechanism, bearing the responsibility to ensure justice is served.
"As part of its mandate to safeguard the public interest in policing, and in response to the BBC documentary Blood Parliament, which underscores the need for public information on IPOA's efforts to hold the police accountable, the Authority takes this opportunity to update the public on its investigations into various incidents observed during the demonstrations and the steps being taken to facilitate justice for the victims," the Authority said.
Some of the cases include the shooting of Francis Kipkorir at SaweCredo Oyaro Belasko Hotel, Uasin Gishu County, opposite Club Timber XO. The probe has been completed, with the file undergoing final internal review before being forwarded to the ODPP.
The killing of Chuol Deng Malang in Uasin Gishu County by blunt force trauma is also under internal review.
The killing of Benson Ouma at Wells Petrol Station in Kisumu by gunshot is under active investigation.
The probe into the death of Kevin Ochieng at Siaya Police Station, who died from a gunshot wound, is complete and undergoing final internal review before submission to the ODPP.
Other completed cases include that of Brian Odhiambo in Rongo, who died from gunshot wounds.
Incomplete cases include that of Josphat Kingi in Kisii, who suffered a head injury but did not undergo a post-mortem, and John Nyabuto, who was shot in Kisii.
The probe into Anthony Mwangi’s death in Migori has been completed and the file was forwarded to the ODPP last year.
In addition to the 60 deaths, the Authority recorded 233 injury cases during the demonstrations, with 191 currently under active investigation.
"Of the remaining cases, 42 were closed internally, while two were forwarded to the ODPP," the statement said.
IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the Authority struggled with instances of non-cooperation from both police officers and witnesses, which has hampered the progress of some investigations.
"Nevertheless, the Board is actively engaging the police command to address this challenge and ensure justice for all victims. On a case-by-case basis, if culpability is found, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant State agencies and update the public on its findings upon the conclusion of its investigations. Across its work, IPOA commits to remain independent, impartial, fair, and apolitical in all its investigations," he added.
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