The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has released a damning report documenting fatalities and injuries sustained during nationwide protests held between June and July 2025.
According to the report published on Thursday, July 24, IPOA recorded at least 65 deaths, 342 civilian injuries, and 171 police officer injuries during the demonstrations.
The protests included those sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody, the Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests on June 25, and the Saba Saba Day demonstrations on July 7.
The first wave of protests erupted on June 12 and 17 in Nairobi and Mombasa following Ojwang’s death. IPOA documented one fatality, one civilian injury, and four arrests during these protests.
In its report, IPOA clarified that it had not cleared Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat in connection with Ojwang’s death, and apologised for a joint press conference held with the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome.
During the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations on June 25, which spread across 18 counties including Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Kiambu, Mombasa, Kisii, and Makueni, the authority recorded 362 arrests, 195 civilian injuries, 99 police officer injuries, and 23 deaths.
“The Authority documented lack of professionalism, use of disproportionate force, and failure to uphold public safety and rights during the protest on June 25,” the report stated.
“Similarly, misconduct and breach of public order were observed and documented, including looting, destruction of property, and deployment of goons.”
The Saba Saba protests on July 7 were the deadliest. IPOA documented 760 arrests, 146 civilian injuries, 72 police officer injuries, and 41 deaths. Demonstrations took place in at least 18 counties, including Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, Laikipia, Kisii, Embu, Kakamega, and Uasin Gishu.
IPOA criticised the National Police Service (NPS) for failing to report the majority of protest-related deaths as required by law.
“In the four protests covered by this report, IPOA documented a total of 65 fatalities as at July 23, 2025. The Authority also recorded injuries to 342 civilians and 171 police officers,” the report noted.
“In line with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of CAP 84 of the Laws of Kenya, the NPS notified IPOA of only five deaths. The failure to notify IPOA of deaths undermines independent oversight, violates legal reporting obligations, and signals a worrying culture of non-compliance.”
IPOA stated that it had attended 61 autopsies out of the 65 documented fatalities and would participate in the remaining four once scheduled.
