The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has begun investigations into claims of unlawful police conduct during this year’s Gen Z protests, following reports of officers using live bullets and other forms of excessive force while dispersing demonstrators.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, IPOA chair Issack Hassan said the authority had deployed officers across the country to monitor how police handled public order during the demonstrations marking one year since the 2024 Finance Bill protests.

“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 stated.

The authority cited numerous violations by police, including the use of live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, whips, and batons against protesters. IPOA also noted that some officers failed to reveal their identities, which goes against the law.

To strengthen oversight, the agency said it had stationed its personnel at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Situation Room to work closely with KNCHR in tracking police actions during the demonstrations.

So far, IPOA has documented protests in 24 counties, with eight civilians reported dead and at least 207 others injured—among them, individuals who sustained gunshot wounds. Police officers were also injured, though no specific number was given.

The oversight body also flagged the presence of violent groups within the protests, which led to arrests and widespread destruction. At least 61 people have been detained across the country.

IPOA observed that the protests caused major disruptions to normal life, affecting transport, businesses, public movement and regular policing duties.

“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,” Hassan said.

He added that the oversight authority would maintain overnight monitoring and will issue a full report with recommendations once its investigations are complete.

In the meantime, IPOA has urged members of the public to report any complaints through their official channels, including the toll-free number 1559.