The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has sounded the alarm after confirming 20 deaths in police custody in the past 15 days a spike that has stirred renewed concerns about police accountability in Kenya.
The disturbing figures come just weeks after the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died on June 8 while in custody at Central Police Station, Nairobi. His case sparked national outrage and prompted civil society groups to demand action.
“Since Ojwang’s death, we’ve seen a troubling pattern,” said IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan during a press briefing on Monday, June 23. “It points to a growing crisis in our police cells.”
Despite the law requiring police to report all deaths in custody, IPOA says only 25% of the reports they’ve received came from the police themselves with most alerts coming from families, the media, and the public.
Hassan criticized a police statement claiming Ojwang died from hitting his head against a wall. “That’s an insult to our intelligence,” he said.
Meanwhile, IPOA confirmed that several officers linked to Ojwang’s case have recorded statements, and a file will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for possible charges.
Recent deaths reported include a man held for stock theft at Katito Police Station, a matatu conductor who died in custody at Machakos Bus Park, and a suspect in Kawangware who died from mob-related injuries while in police hands.
IPOA emphasized it can only investigate and recommend action the power to prosecute lies with the DPP.
