IPOA: Police deployed in protests did not display name tags or service numbers

A report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed that police officers deployed during recent protests over the death of Albert Ojwang’ in custody operated without displaying name tags or service numbers, in violation of Kenyan law.

The July 2025 report, which covers a series of demonstrations held in June and July 2025, raises concerns about police transparency, accountability, and the excessive use of force in the handling of public protests.

The first protest, held on June 12 in Nairobi, was organized to demand justice for Ojwang’, whose death in police custody remains under investigation.

Although IPOA found no evidence that the protest organizers formally notified the Central Police Station as required under the Public Order Act, the demonstration was largely peaceful, with no reported injuries or arrests.

Despite this, the National Police Service (NPS) deployed both uniformed and plainclothes officers armed with firearms, teargas, and batons.

Officers also used vehicles to block access to Harambee Avenue, Parliament Road, City Hall Way, and the National Treasury.

According to the report, IPOA observers noted that none of the deployed officers displayed identification, contrary to Schedule Six of CAP 84 of the Laws of Kenya.

Even more troubling was the presence of civilians in plainclothes armed with whips, suggesting irregular or unregulated involvement in crowd control efforts.

A second wave of protests occurred on June 17 in both Nairobi and Mombasa, demanding action against Kenya Police Service Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.

According to the IPOA, in Nairobi, officers from the General Service Unit (GSU), Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU), and General Duty divisions were deployed in full riot gear, and some police vehicles had concealed number plates.

Plainclothes officers were again observed. During this protest, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki sustained a gunshot wound and later died in hospital.

IPOA investigated the incident and forwarded the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and one officer—Klinzy Masinde Barasa—was subsequently charged in Criminal Case No. 010 of 2025.

No police injuries were reported, although IPOA observed individuals infiltrating the protest wielding wooden sticks and crude weapons.

The report paints a broader picture of escalating violence and police mismanagement across multiple counties during protests in June and July.

As of July 23, IPOA had documented 65 civilian deaths, 342 injuries to civilians, and 171 injuries to police officers.

However, the police officially reported only five of these deaths to IPOA, undermining oversight efforts and violating legal obligations.

The Authority attended 61 autopsies and confirmed that investigations are ongoing for the remaining cases.

Notably, the report criticizes the police for failing to intervene in counter-protests, and for treating most protests as riots rather than lawful assemblies protected under Article 37 of the Constitution.

The report further indicates widespread destruction of public and private property was observed during the protests, including the burning of police stations in Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, and Nairobi, and vandalism of banks, supermarkets, and government buildings in counties such as Meru, Embu, Kiambu, Nairobi, and Nakuru.

In Meru, IPOA reported the looting of Magunas Supermarket and the destruction of vehicles and hospitality facilities.

In Embu, Red Cross and KRA vehicles were destroyed, and numerous financial institutions and businesses were looted. Similar patterns of damage were documented in Makueni, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisii, Kiambu, and Kajiado, with police appearing overwhelmed in some areas.

The report also highlights severe shortcomings in protest policing.

According to the report, IPOA monitors found no evidence that police provided medical aid or deployed ambulances during demonstrations, as required under the Sixth Schedule of CAP 84.

Officers were not supplied with meals, water, or allowances, raising welfare concerns.

The IPOA posits that the use of unmarked vehicles, concealed license plates, and the absence of proper identification impeded accountability.

In some instances, police used live ammunition and excessive force while failing to prevent looting and property destruction. Only in Mombasa did IPOA observe a relatively professional and rights-respecting approach to crowd control.

IPOA criticized gaps in the Public Order Act, including the lack of recognition for counter-protests and spontaneous demonstrations, and documented cases where commanding officers refused to receive protest notifications—contrary to the law, which mandates written explanations for such refusals.

To mitigate this, the Authority has called for urgent police reforms.

It recommends that all officers deployed to public protests display their names and service numbers and that the Inspector General of Police ensure all vehicles and assets used during such operations are clearly marked.

IPOA is urging the adoption of body-worn cameras and the use of video recordings during protests to support transparent investigations and evidence-based prosecutions.

Additionally, it calls for the deployment of medical personnel and ambulances, proper welfare support for officers, and the creation of a Public Hospital Security Unit to protect healthcare facilities during high-risk operations.

The report further advises the Inspector General, in collaboration with Parliament, to develop a comprehensive public order management policy that clarifies the legal thresholds for lawful assembly, encourages dialogue with protest organizers, and promotes collaboration with civil society.

It also calls for a national civic education campaign on the right to protest, supported by stronger community policing structures and operational County Policing Authorities.

NPS has also been urged to initiate transparent recruitment to address the declining police-citizen ratio, currently at 1:600 against the recommended 1:450.