The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has raised concerns over police conduct during protests held on Tuesday, which were organised to demand justice for the late Albert Ojwang’.
In a press statement, IPOA said it recorded at least 13 serious injuries from the demonstrations, including the shooting of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki.
Kariuki is currently admitted to intensive care.
The Authority linked the incident to a broader pattern of deaths resulting from police action or occurring in police custody.
It said the shooting of Kariuki at close range underscored serious professional gaps in how police manage public order and uphold the rights of arrested persons.
IPOA reminded the National Police Service of its legal obligation under the Sixth Schedule of the NPS Act, which requires the reporting of all deaths and serious injuries caused by officers. Ipoa said it has not received such reports.
The Authority called on the Inspector General of Police to enforce full compliance with legal frameworks meant to build public confidence in the police service.
Ipoa also appealed for support to strengthen its operational capacity. It cited a recent case where it was forced to seek external assistance to retrieve and analyse DVR footage from Central Police Station.
The Authority owns modern Cellebrite equipment suited for the task, but said the license had expired due to lack of funding.
Despite the challenges, Ipoa affirmed its commitment to conducting impartial investigations and holding police accountable, in line with Article 244 of the Constitution.
