- IPOA confirms 8 protestors killed and 207 injured in today’s demos
- Use of live bullets, tear gas, whips and batons reported in multiple counties
- At least 24 counties are affected by the unrest
- 61 demonstrators arrested countrywide
- IPOA monitoring shows some officers concealed their identity and used illegal force
- Full investigative report expected after overnight operations conclude
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened a full-scale nationwide investigation following deadly confrontations between police and demonstrators during today’s Gen-Z anniversary protests.
In a Preliminary Monitoring Report released this evening, IPOA confirmed at least 8 civilian deaths and 207 injuries, with most of the casualties suffering gunshot wounds, as protests erupted across more than two dozen counties.
The report paints a grim picture of the day’s events. Police were accused of deploying live ammunition, tear gas, water cannons, batons and even whips — methods IPOA flagged as excessive and unlawful.
Worryingly, IPOA revealed that some officers were unidentifiable, wearing no name tags or badges, which violates policing standards and complicates accountability.
With over 61 people arrested, IPOA also flagged major disruption to normal life, including public transport shutdowns, destroyed property and commercial losses.
The Authority further warned that unknown goons infiltrated peaceful demonstrations, contributing to chaos and undermining the public’s right to assemble.
IPOA had officers stationed at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Situation Room to help track events in real-time.
The agency has pledged to conduct independent investigations into all reported cases of police misconduct and will issue a comprehensive report after completing overnight monitoring.
With the night still unfolding and tensions high, human rights groups and citizens are closely watching how the state responds. IPOA’s next move will be critical in determining whether justice and reform can emerge from yet another bloody day in Kenya’s protest history.
