Ipoa gives update on probe into police conduct during Anti-Finance Bill protests

Anti-riot police come face-to-face with hundreds of youth during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protest in Nairobi in June 2024/FILE

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has released a status update on its investigations into police conduct during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

The Authority launched investigations following clashes between police and demonstrators across the country in June 2024.

In a statement on April 28, 2025, Ipoa said it had registered 60 death cases related to the protests. Out of these, 22 investigations have been completed, 36 are ongoing, and two cases are 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," the statement read.

The Authority provided a detailed breakdown of the incidents, which involved victims from regions including Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kakamega, Meru, Mombasa, Nyeri, and Nairobi.

In Nairobi, Ipoa noted that two cases involving victims Rex Masai and Evans Kiratu are already before the Milimani court.

The Authority also recorded 233 injury cases during the protests. Of these, 191 cases remain under active investigation, while 42 have been closed internally.

Ipoa acknowledged that some investigations had been slowed by non-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 read.

Ipoa Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan emphasized that the Authority will continue to operate independently, impartially, fairly, and apolitically in all its investigations.

"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 statement added.

The update comes in response to public concerns raised by the BBC documentary Blood Parliament, which highlighted the need for accountability during the protests.

THE 60 DEATH CASES REGISTERED WITH IPOA