The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed that 3,988 police officers are currently under investigation for alleged misconduct, while only 47 have been convicted.
The disclosure, made by IPOA Deputy Director for Inspection, Monitoring and Preventive Services, Munene Mugambi, during a televised interview on February 16, 2026, highlights the scale of oversight challenges within the National Police Service.
Mugambi said the figures reflect both the prevalence of alleged misconduct and the authority’s determination to ensure accountability.
Mugambi explained that the investigations cover a wide range of offences, including deaths, serious injuries, sexual offences, and other human rights violations.
“As we speak, we have 3,988 officers under investigation for police excesses,” he said.
“This includes matters pending investigations at IPOA. Out of these, we have secured convictions against 47 officers across thirty-three case files involving deaths, serious injuries, sexual offences, and other human rights violations.”
He emphasised that investigations are time-consuming, involving the collection of statements, internal review, and referral to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“Investigations are not an event. To expect convictions at this point is to over-expect,” Mugambi said, noting that meticulous scrutiny is necessary to ensure cases are legally sound and withstand judicial review.
Addressing criticism over the perceived slow pace of investigations, Mugambi responded to remarks from National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed.
He explained that some key statements from Junet and his team are still pending, though work on the cases continues.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean investigations are stalled," Mugambi said.
He emphasised that IPOA’s methodical approach is essential for securing convictions, rather than rushing cases to satisfy public expectations.
Mugambi highlighted funding and resource shortages as a major factor limiting IPOA’s efficiency.
“We are not denying that we have funding and resource challenges. We’ve been appealing to members of Parliament to support IPOA around resources,” he said.
Since its inception in 2011, IPOA has investigated complaints of unlawful killings, torture, sexual misconduct, and other police abuses.
The latest figures reveal a high level of alleged misconduct within the police service, despite successful prosecutions remaining limited.
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