The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has released a preliminary report on the conduct of police officers during the Wednesday, June 25, protests, which were witnessed in several areas across the country.
In a statement, IPOA disclosed that it would launch an investigation into areas where cases of police brutality were reported, adding that it had already made preliminary enquiries into various concerns.
“Per Section 6(c) of the IPOA Act, the Authority this morning, 25th June 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 stated.
“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,” the Authority added.
In their report, IPOA announced that 24 out of the 47 counties were affected by the demonstrations, with 8 deaths reported. This number later rose to 11 as per the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
Furthermore, at least 207 injuries were recorded, including gunshot wounds sustained by members of the public. Several injuries among police officers were also documented.
IPOA also disclosed that 61 suspected protesters had been arrested across the country, adding that it had observed the infiltration of the protests by goons. This infiltration was highlighted as a major area of concern by both authorities and the public, with many alarmed by the risk of looting and robbery posed by the presence of these individuals.
In addition to extensive damage to both private and public property, IPOA stated that its monitoring team had documented the use of excessive and varied force by police officers. This included the deployment of live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, whips, batons, and other measures.
The concealment of police officers’ identities was also listed as a violation of the Constitution. Footage shared online captured acts of police brutality, with some officers also becoming targets of citizen retaliation. One police officer was seriously injured after being physically assaulted by protesters.
IPOA further noted the disruption of free movement and regular public services, including public transport, policing services, and commercial activities.
The June 25 protests were being held in honour of Gen Zs who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. The protests were most prevalent in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where protesters engaged police in running battles at the heart of the city.
To disperse the protesters, police used tear gas and water cannons, but were said to later resort to using live bullets as protests intensified.
