According to The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), eight civilian deaths and at least 207 injuries many from gunshot wounds were recorded during the Wednesday June 25th nationwide protests.
The youth-led protests marked a commemoration of the 2024 Gen-Z-led demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Meanwhile, IPOA linked the casualties to what it describes as “excessive and varied force” used by police.
In a Preliminary Monitoring Report released Wednesday night, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the Authority had launched countrywide monitoring operations.
“So far, the Authority has recorded: 24 counties affected by the demonstrations, 8 civilian deaths, at least 207 injuries recorded, including gunshot wounds sustained by members of the public,” Hassan stated.
He added, “The IPOA monitoring team documented the use of excessive and varied force by police officers, including live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, whips, and batons, among other measures. Police officers concealed their identities contrary to the law.”
The Authority also acknowledged that goons infiltrated the demonstrations leading to destruction of property and halting all commercial activities in Nairobi CBD.
At least 61 suspected protestors were arrested, and several police officers were also injured.
Despite this response, IPOA continues to face public criticism for what many see as a failure to act decisively on past cases of police brutality.
During the anniversary protests, online campaigns like #WhereIsIPOA and#JusticeForGenZ trended as demonstrators and rights groups accused the agency of not holding police accountable after last year’s deadly confrontations.
Despite the public’s rage, IPOA has reaffirmed it’s commitment of delivering on its mandate by holding police officers into account. However, no officers have yet been named or suspended.
