The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) chairperson Issac Hassan flanked by commissioners during a press conference at their offices on the update on the investigation into the death of Albert Ojwang' on June 18, 2025. /DOUGLAS OKIDDY
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has raised alarm over a lack of funding that is hampering its ability to hold police officers accountable for misconduct.
Ipoa Chairperson Isaak Hassan said the authority had to seek external help in retrieving and analysing critical CCTV footage related to the death of teacher Albert Ojwang, despite owning the necessary equipment.
“To contextualise, Ipoa had to request external technical support in the retrieval and analysis of the DVR footage from Central Police Station, yet it owns modern Cellebrite equipment that can do this,” said Hassan.
“This equipment could not be used because the licence is expired and has not been renewed because of lack of funding.”
He appealed for increased support to boost Ipoa’s operational budget, technical capacity, public awareness efforts, and equipment upgrades.
Despite the challenges, Hassan reaffirmed Ipoa’s commitment to conducting impartial investigations as it works to enforce Article 244 of the Constitution, which guides police conduct in Kenya.
The authority is currently investigating several cases, including the fatal shooting of Ojwang’ and injuries sustained during protests demanding justice for him.
“Arising from the monitoring, Ipoa recorded at least 13 serious injuries including the shooting of Mr. Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, who is hospitalised under intensive care,” said Hassan.
He noted that the fatal shooting of Ojwang’ and the recent point-blank shooting of Kariuki highlight glaring gaps in police professionalism, especially in handling public order and protecting the rights of arrested persons.
Hassan reminded the public and police that the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service (NPS) Act requires that any use of force resulting in death or serious injury be reported to IPOA. He said this requirement has not been followed.
He called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure full compliance with legal frameworks to restore public confidence in the police service.
Following the shooting of Kariuki, police constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono were arrested and interdicted. They are currently under investigation by the DCI Homicide Unit.
Kariuki is now in stable condition at Kenyatta National Hospital after undergoing successful surgery.
Reacting to the incident, police spokesman Michael Muchiri said: “The National Police Service deeply regrets this unjustified act and commiserates with the victim and his family, while reaffirming its full commitment to ensuring justice is served.”
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) documented 22 injuries during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.
KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris said most victims suffered gunshot wounds, head injuries, whiplash, blunt force trauma, and asthma attacks due to teargas exposure.
KNCHR condemned the use of violence and accused the police of deploying masked goons to infiltrate the protests.
“The commission condemns the arrest of protestors including four human rights defenders in Mombasa, despite being peaceful and having duly notified the police in line with the law,” the statement read.
KNCHR demanded their immediate and unconditional release and praised most demonstrators for remaining peaceful despite provocation.
