IPOA probes police for using live ammunition, excessive force during Gen Z protests
IPOA said it observed violations during its nationwide monitoring of the National Police Service’s conduct in managing public order during the Gen Z anniversary protests.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into police conduct after documenting the use of excessive force, including live ammunition, during the anniversary protests.
In a statement on Wednesday, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan said the oversight body observed violations during its nationwide monitoring of the National Police Service’s conduct in managing public order during the Gen Z anniversary protests.
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“In accordance with Section 6(c) of the IPOA Act, the Authority this morning, 25th June 2025, launched monitoring operations nationwide, deploying its officers to observe and monitor the conduct of the National Police Service in managing public order during ongoing demonstrations to commemorate the 2024 Finance Bill protests,” Hassan said.
According to IPOA, among the violations included the use of excessive and varied force by police officers, such as live bullets, tear gas, water cannons, whips and batons.
Concealed identities
IPOA further observed that some officers concealed their identities, contrary to the law.
The authority also reported that its officers had been deployed to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Situation Room to bolster collaboration between the two institutions in monitoring police interventions.
So far, IPOA has recorded protests in 24 counties, eight civilian deaths, and at least 207 injuries, including gunshot wounds sustained by members of the public. The authority said it also documented several injuries among police officers.
Violent goons
At least 61 suspected protestors have been arrested countrywide, with IPOA flagging the infiltration of the protests by violent goons. It noted that there was also extensive destruction of private and public property.
The authority also recorded a significant disruption of normal services, including the interruption of free movement, public transport, commercial activity and policing operations.
“Consequently, IPOA has taken up preliminary enquiries into the various concern areas and will expedite investigations into cases where excessive force was documented during the public order management of the protests,” Issack said.
He added that the Authority would continue with overnight monitoring and is expected to release a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, IPOA has encouraged Kenyans who wish to lodge complaints to do so through their official channels, including their toll-free number: 1559.
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