The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently pursuing 36 police officers over their actions during the June 2024 protests, which were largely led by Gen Z protesters. The IPOA has been conducting investigations into incidents that occurred during these protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 60 individuals. As of April 28, 2025, the IPOA reported that it had completed investigations into 22 of these deaths.
In response to public outcry and the release of the BBC documentary “Blood Parliament,” which highlighted the tragic events of the protests, IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan released a statement outlining the Authority’s efforts to hold police accountable for their conduct. The documentary, which aired on April 27, 2025, provided an in-depth analysis of the events that unfolded during the protests, revealing the violent clashes between police and demonstrators that led to significant casualties.
In its statement, IPOA confirmed that 22 investigations into the deaths of protesters had been completed. Of these investigations, eight are under final internal review, which involves the completion of reports before they are submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further review. Two cases have been closed internally, while four cases have been forwarded to the ODPP for additional examination. In some instances, investigations were closed after receiving directives from the ODPP.
In addition to the completed investigations, the IPOA has 36 ongoing cases related to the protests, with the Authority actively pursuing these investigations in hopes of bringing justice to the victims. Two cases have already been brought before the courts.
IPOA has also expressed concerns about the challenges it faces in carrying out its investigations. According to the Authority, there have been instances of non-cooperation from both police officers and witnesses, which has hampered the progress of some of the investigations. Despite these setbacks, the IPOA is committed to continuing its efforts to ensure that the officers responsible for any misconduct are held accountable for their actions.
The statement emphasized that if any officer is found to be culpable for the deaths or injuries during the protests, the IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant state agencies. These recommendations could include disciplinary action or criminal charges, depending on the nature of the findings. The IPOA has also pledged to keep the public informed as its investigations progress and will provide updates once conclusions are reached.
The BBC’s documentary, “Blood Parliament,” played a crucial role in bringing international attention to the events of the protests. The documentary analyzed over 5,000 images and videos from the protests, offering a detailed account of the deadly clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The footage captured moments of gunfire and bloodshed, including the deaths of two individuals: David Chege, a 39-year-old software engineer, and Ericsson Mutisya, a 25-year-old butcher. The analysis revealed the extent of violence that unfolded in the streets, and it underscored the need for transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
As the IPOA continues its investigations, the public remains hopeful that justice will be served, and that the police will be held accountable for any unlawful actions during the protests. The events of June 2024 have sparked widespread discussions about police brutality, the right to protest, and the need for greater oversight of law enforcement agencies. The IPOA’s ongoing efforts to investigate these incidents reflect the growing demand for justice and accountability in policing practices.
