Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has issued a report condemning the police for excessive use of force during recent protests, which have resulted in 65 fatalities, including 41 on a single day. The unrest has been fueled by public outrage over police brutality and government regulations. The Ipoa's findings indicate that most deaths stemmed from police actions, contributing to a wider conversation about the conduct of law enforcement.
Since the demonstrations began on June 12, initially in response to a young teacher's death in custody, there have been multiple instances of violence, including the shooting of civilian street vendor Boniface Kariuki by police. The Ipoa documented a staggering 342 civilian injuries and 171 police injuries, alongside incidents of vandalism and looting.
Despite the watchdog's criticism, a police spokesperson deferred comments to the Interior Ministry, which accused criminal elements of exploiting the protests. President William Ruto's inflammatory directive to shoot protesters in the legs has further escalated tensions, despite claims of no excessive force from the Interior Minister, who labeled the protests a guise for terrorism.
Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the government's actions, suggesting that officials are fostering an environment where illicit force against demonstrators is viewed as acceptable. The Ipoa's report underscores a critical need for reform in policing standards across Kenya.
