IPOA police probe targets 60 deaths, 233 injuries from 2024 protest clashes
The Authority began its investigations after widespread confrontations between protesters and police.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has shared a progress report on its ongoing investigations into police actions during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
The Authority began its investigations after widespread confrontations between protesters and police were reported across different parts of the country in June 2024.
In its statement released on Monday, IPOA revealed it had recorded 60 deaths linked to the protests.
Among these, 22 investigations have been completed, 36 are still underway, and two cases have been presented before the courts.
"Of the completed investigations, eight are under final internal review, four are in the final stages of report writing before submission to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), two were closed internally, four have been forwarded to the ODPP for review, and three were closed following ODPP directives," IPOA explained.
The Authority offered a detailed account of the incidents, highlighting cases from Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kakamega, Meru, Mombasa, Nyeri, and Nairobi.
In Nairobi, IPOA noted that two cases involving victims, Rex Masai and Evans Kiratu, have already reached the Milimani court.
In addition to fatalities, the Authority said it documented 233 injury cases during the protests.
Out of these, 191 remain under active investigation, while 42 cases have been closed internally.
The Authority admitted that the progress of some investigations had been hampered by challenges such as lack of cooperation from police officers and witnesses.
"The Board is actively engaging the police command to address this challenge and ensure justice for all victims," the statement said.
IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan reaffirmed the body's commitment to carrying out its mandate without bias.
"The Authority will continue to operate independently, impartially, fairly, and apolitically in all its investigations," he stated.
The statement further stressed that each case is being examined individually to determine responsibility.
"On a case-by-case basis, if culpability is found, Ipoa will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant state agencies and update the public on its findings upon conclusion of its investigations," the Authority assured.
This update follows heightened public interest, largely fueled by the BBC documentary Blood Parliament, which pointed to a need for accountability for actions taken during the demonstrations.
IPOA's latest report signals its effort to maintain transparency and pursue justice amid concerns from victims' families and human rights groups.
Below are the 60 death cases registered with IPOA:
