IPOA seeks expanded budget to strengthen regional oversight and mobility
During a session at the Mini Chamber, IPOA CEO Elema Halake presented a proposal for Sh14.93 million to modernise the Authority’s ICT infrastructure.
During a session at the Mini Chamber, IPOA CEO Elema Halake presented a proposal for Sh14.93 million to modernise the Authority’s ICT infrastructure.
A former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), he steps down to assume his role in the appellate court. The transition is being conducted in accordance with the law and the Board will now be chaired by vice chairperson Ann Wanjiku.
IPOA Deputy Director for Inspection, Monitoring and Preventive Services, Munene Mugambi explained that the investigative process is deliberate, involving statement collection, internal reviews, and referrals to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The probe will seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the extent of police involvement, and assess whether the force applied was justified and proportionate as defined by law.
Police said the situation escalated during the second arrest when one of the suspects raised an alarm, drawing a group of youths who began throwing stones and other objects at officers in an attempt to disrupt the operation.
Justice Hassan’s appointment to the Court of Appeal was announced on Tuesday, formally marking the end of his tenure at IPOA.
IPOA noted that the alleged police operation did not only affect the pool hall but extended to other establishments, including bars and hotels.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered a swift and comprehensive investigation into the January 10 incident, directing the Internal Affairs Unit to conclude its probe within three days, with culpable officers to face action.
CCTV footage shows youths, dressed in red hoodies and black clothing, enjoying a game of pool inside a recreational space in Nandi Hills town. Moments later, uniformed police officers stormed the establishment, ordered the youths to lie on the floor, and then assaulted some with slaps and others with batons. The officers reportedly left after nearly eight minutes of aggression. The reasons for the police action remain unclear.
IPOA said it oversaw the post-mortem examination conducted on the afternoon of January 11, which established the cause of death as a head injury resulting from a single penetrating gunshot.
According to IPOA, investigators have already interviewed key witnesses, including police officers and members of the public who were present during the incident.
During a pre-trial directions session, Ipoa revealed a list of 28 witnesses. The court pointed out that an overly long list could make the trial unnecessarily lengthy, despite its high public interest. Judges instructed the prosecution to cut the list to 24, noting that with six defence lawyers cross-examining, the case could otherwise drag on for years.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Authority said Matoke had been held at the police post as he awaited transfer and formal booking at Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi County on Thursday, December 11, 2025. His death occurred at around 7 p.m under circumstances that remain unclear.
The Bill seeks, among other changes, to set an age cap of 60 years for the Inspector General and introduce a five-year term limit for Deputy Inspector Generals, who currently do not have term restrictions. Currently, there is no age cap for the IG or DIG.
To manage the exam, 342,687 personnel have been deployed, including invigilators, supervisors, centre managers and security officers. Ogamba also highlighted a public reporting system that allows Kenyans to flag cheating attempts and officer misconduct.
IPOA confirmed in a statement on October 28, 2025, that the National Police Service had informed them of the shooting on October 22, 2025, which led to immediate investigations.
According to IPOA, the teenager was reportedly arrested at Narosusura Police Station on suspicion of committing a minor offence and sustained injuries while detained. He is currently receiving treatment at Narok County Referral Hospital as authorities probe the incident.
In a statement on Monday, IPOA expressed concern about recent incidents where officers have been attacked, police stations vandalised, and property destroyed. The oversight body noted that the trend threatens both public safety and the integrity of the police service.
The oversight body has already begun collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing police procedures linked to the incident.
In a statement on his X on Monday, LSK boss Faith Odhiambo, said they are closely monitoring the case.
Between January and June last year alone, IPOA monitored 38 public order operations. The review found that the NPS often fell short of meeting the professionalism and accountability standards required under Article 244 of the Constitution.
The survey by the International Justice Mission highlights that an independent lab would protect Ipoa’s investigations from potential interference and safeguard its credibility.
Ipoa chairperson Issack Hassan said most of the cases involve officers suspected of unlawful conduct during the Gen Z demonstrations and the Azimio cost of living protests in late 2023 and early 2024.
In its report tabled on August 5, the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security committee said the changes would strengthen Ipoa’s ability to carry out its mandate
Murkomen strongly defended police officers deployed during the recent wave of violent protests, saying they had every right to use force where necessary.
According to IPOA, the protests left 342 civilians injured and 171 police officers wounded between June 17 and July 7, 2025.
KNCHR disclosed that out of the 15 postmortems conducted so far, 14 confirmed death from gunshot wounds.
Following the ruling, the officers will remain in custody at Capitol Hill Police Station until July 10.
Ojwang’s death led to protests across the country starting June 9, with citizens and activists demanding an end to police brutality.