The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has issued a preliminary finding of police misconduct during the Gen‑Z–led demonstrations commemorating the 2024 Finance Bill protest anniversary.
In a report released on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, IPOA disclosed that its officers were deployed across 24 counties and stationed at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Situation Room to enhance oversight and collaboration.
“In accordance with Section 6(c) of the IPOA Act, the Authority this morning, June 25, 2025, launched monitoring operations nationwide, deploying its officers to observe and monitor the conduct of the National Police Service in managing public order during ongoing demonstrations to commemorate the 2024 Finance Bill protests,” IPOA’s statement reads in part.
“IPOA also deployed officers to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Situation Room to strengthen bilateral collaboration between the two institutions in monitoring interventions.”
Police misconduct
According to IPOA’s preliminary report, its monitoring team documented the use of excessive and varied force by police officers, including live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, whips, and batons, and reported that some officers concealed their identities, actions which are contrary to the law.
“The IPOA monitoring team documented the use of excessive and varied force by police officers, including live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, whips, and batons, among other measures. Police officers concealed their identities contrary to the law,” IPOA’s statement reads in part.
Key findings
In the report, the oversight authority further highlighted that 24 out of the 47 counties were affected by the demos, eight people were killed, 207 were injured, and 61 protestors were arrested.
“24 counties were affected by the demonstrations, 8 civilian deaths and at least 207 injuries were recorded, including gunshot wounds sustained by members of the public,” IPOA stated.
“A number of injuries among police officers were also documented, along with the arrest of at least 61 suspected protestors across the country and the infiltration of demonstrations by goons. Extensive damage to private and public property.”
The oversight authority, in addition, disclosed that there had been an interruption of free movement, public transport, commercial activity and policing operations during the Gen‑Z‑led demonstrations.
“Interruption of free movement and normal public service operations, including public transport, policing services, and commercial activities,” IPOA added.
Monitoring
IPOA also stated that it had initiated preliminary enquiries into all areas of concern and would expedite investigations into cases where officers used excessive force during public-order policing efforts.
Additionally, IPOA added that it would continue monitoring operations overnight, with the aim of releasing a comprehensive monitoring report, including actionable recommendations to relevant authorities.
“Consequently, IPOA has taken up preliminary enquiries into the various concern areas and will expedite investigations into cases where excessive force was documented during the public order management of the protests,” IPOA stated.
“IPOA will sustain its monitoring operations overnight, upon which the Authority will release a comprehensive monitoring report with actionable recommendations to relevant authorities.”
