IPOA probes 65 deaths during protests, highlights gaps in police oversight

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed a total of 65 fatalities in connection with a series of protests that took place across the country in the second half of the year.

In a report released on Thursday, IPOA found that most of the deaths were linked mainly to police actions during crowd control operations, as well as incidents during the protests.

“The authority observed that the Service deployed uniformed and non-uniformed police officers to manage the protests. All the officers observed did not display nametags or Service numbers in line with Schedule Six of CAP 84 of the Laws of Kenya,” it said.

“The police officers were equipped with firearms, teargas, batons and vehicles. The police restricted access to Harambee Avenue, National Treasury, City Hall Way and Parliament Road using teargas.”

Furthermore, the authority recorded 342 injuries to civilians and 171 injuries to police officers between June 17 and July 7, 2025.

Of the 65 fatalities, IPOA said it was only notified of five, as required by law. 

“The NPS notified IPOA of 5 deaths out of the 65 fatalities documented. The failure to notify IPOA of deaths undermines independent oversight, violates legal reporting obligations, and signals a worrying culture of non-compliance,” the authority said.

IPOA stated that out of the 65 documented fatalities as part of its investigations, it has attended 61 autopsies and will attend the remaining when they are scheduled.

Fatalities during protests against the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody

The first protests in June 2025 were held on the 17^th day of the month, following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang' while in police custody. 

His passing sparked public outrage, leading to large-scale protests in Nairobi. 

The protests culminated in a tragic incident where Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a civilian, sustained a gunshot wound. He later died in hospital from his injuries.

IPOA noted that it launched an immediate investigation into Kariuki’s death, and its findings led to the arrest of one police officer, Klinzy Masinde Barasa, who was subsequently charged. 

Fatalities during the June 25 commemoration protests

During the commemoration of the anti-finance bill (Gen Z) protests, 23 Kenyans died.

According to the data by IPOA, seven people died in Nairobi, four in Kiambu, four in Nyeri, Machakos and Makueni recorded two deaths each.

Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Nyandarua, and Nakuru counties recorded one death each. 

On the same day, 195 civilians and 99 police officers were injured. 362 arrests were recorded across areas where active protests were monitored. 

Saba Saba fatalities

The authority recorded 41 fatalities during the July 7, 2025, protests. 

As per region, Nairobi had seven deaths, Kiambu (10), Kajiado (7), Nakuru (3), Nyandarua (1), Meru (2), Embu (3), Kirinyaga (1), Laikipia (3) and Murang’a (4).

IPOA also recorded injuries, including 146 civilians and 72 police officers.