IPOA Vice Chairperson, Anne Wanjiku
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into incidents of police misconduct during the second anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z commemorations.
In a statement, IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi said the authority is probing allegations of enforced disappearances, abductions, police brutality, and use of excessive force.
Mwangi noted that preliminary investigations indicate that police deployed public order management measures, including barricades along major roads in parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, where only minimal protests were reported.
She also noted that officers used teargas and acoustic devices to disperse crowds in parts of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
However, the Authority raised concerns about officers directly engaging with protesters in some instances in an effort to de-escalate tensions.
“Preliminary findings indicate that police deployed public order management measures, including the erection of barricades along some major routes in parts of Nairobi and Mombasa, where minimal protests were recorded. The Authority noted that the police used teargas in some instances and acoustic devices to disperse crowds in some parts of Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
“IPOA also noted that the National Police Service (NPS) employed direct engagement techniques with protesters to de-escalate tensions,” read the statement in part.
Mwangi further raised concerns over the conduct of some officers during the demonstrations, saying it observed police officers wearing balaclavas and plain clothes while using vehicles with concealed registration number plates, contrary to existing court orders.
“The Authority has continued to receive and verify reports, including allegations of missing persons, abductions, detention, and physical assaults on persons arrested during the protests,” she stated.
According to IPOA, investigators have so far recorded statements relating to alleged abductions and injuries sustained by victims in Nairobi’s CBD, as well as an incident involving a person with disability in Nakuru.
The authority also said it has provided psychosocial support to some victims who presented themselves for statement recording.
In addition, IPOA said it is also monitoring the evolving security situation in Mathare, Huruma and Kariobangi North while conducting investigations into allegations of excessive use of force by police officers.
