The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into incidents arising from the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests held on June 25, 2026, following allegations of police misconduct, abductions, injuries and excessive use of force.
In a statement issued by IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi, the Authority said it monitored policing operations across the country as mandated under the IPOA Act and has already begun recording statements from victims and witnesses.
According to IPOA’s preliminary findings, police deployed public order management measures, including barricades along major roads in parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, where only minimal protests were reported.
“Preliminary findings indicate that police deployed public order management measures, including the erection of barricades along some major routes in parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, where minimal protests were recorded. The Authority noted that the police used teargas in some instances and acoustic devices to disperse crowds in some parts of Nairobi Central Business District (CBD),” Mwangi said.
The Authority said officers used teargas and acoustic devices in some areas of Nairobi’s Central Business District to disperse crowds, while in other instances they engaged directly with protesters in efforts to de-escalate tensions.
However, IPOA raised concerns that some officers wore balaclavas while others operated in plain clothes, carrying firearms and using vehicles with concealed registration plates, actions it said were contrary to existing court orders.
The Authority said it has continued to receive and verify reports of missing persons, alleged abductions, unlawful detention and physical assaults on people arrested during the demonstrations.
According to IPOA, investigators have so far recorded statements relating to alleged abductions and injuries sustained by victims in Nairobi’s CBD, as well as an incident involving a person with disability in Nakuru.
IPOA also said it has provided psychosocial support to some victims who presented themselves for statement recording.
The Authority noted that protests have since spread to parts of Nairobi and said it is actively monitoring the situation in Mathare, Huruma and Kariobangi North while investigating reported cases of alleged excessive use of force by police officers.
IPOA called on the National Police Service (NPS) to uphold the rule of law, respect human rights and maintain professionalism while managing public demonstrations.
It also urged members of the public to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and unarmed, and to use lawful channels to air their grievances.
The Authority assured the public that its investigations will be thorough and impartial and that any individual found culpable will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
IPOA encouraged members of the public with information relevant to the investigations to report through its offices, its toll-free number 1559, email [email protected], or its official social media platforms.
