In July, 2023, mass protests rocked parts of Kenya, as crowds responded to calls by the opposition coalition to put pressure on the Government to address a number of grievances.

Often, scenarios of conflicts pitting police against protesters escalate to violence and use of force during demonstrations.

This played out in the latest round of the protests and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority deployed officials in the troubled areas with the aim of monitoring and recording how police handled different situations.

Functions of the Authority

The Authority recorded deaths, gunshot injuries and other forms of injuries arising from the demonstrations.

The injuries were sustained by protesters, journalists covering the events, bystanders, motorists, students and police alike.

The Authority shall monitor and investigate policing operations affecting members of the public

Section 6 (c) of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act

The Authority is also analysing the events that may have obstructed police in executing its core function of protecting life and property.

Chairperson’s Statement

IPOA Chairperson Mrs. Anne Makori issued a statement saying: ” The Authority also noted that, there were Deaths from gun shots, injuries to civilians and police, assault of Journalists and arresting of civilians. In its quest to enhance police accountability, the Authority is also analysing the events that may have obstructed police in executing its core function of protecting life and property.”

The Authority’s Chairperson Mrs. Anne Makori in a statement stated that;

“Our investigation will take into account the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals concerned, including members of the Police Service, in accordance with Chapter Four of the Constitution, and as dictated by Section 24 of The IPOA Act,” Makori said.

“Further we condemn the acts of lawlessness by some members of the Public, that culminated in the loss of property and injuries to a number of police officers. As the National Police Service (NPS) strives to contain instances of unlawfulness as mandated by the law, the Authority recommends the use of proportionate force as outlined in the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service (NPS) Act.” – Anne Makori, EBS

Mrs. Makori also stated that IPOA will release a consolidated report with findings and recommendation.

“As an output of its monitoring operation on the conduct of police during the demonstrations, IPOA will release a consolidated report with findings and recommendations to various agencies including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the National Police Service,” she added.

Service Standing Orders

Noting that individual investigations will take “their “own course to conclusion,” her statement also referred to the National Police Service and Service Standing Orders which in part dictates that a police officer should always attempt to use non-violence means first before resulting to use of firearms.

The SSOs also state that when use of force results in injuries, police officers present shall provide medical assistance immediately and unless there are good reasons, failing to do so is a criminal offence.

Mrs. Makori reminded the Public that IPOA is independent, Impartial and fair in all its investigations.