IPOA Report Exposes Police Unpreparedness During Gen-Z Protests, Presents Way Forward For Future Incidences

By Ronny Thiong’o

A monitoring report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed that police officers deployed to manage the recent Gen-Z protests were ill-equipped and unprepared.

According to IPOA, the lack of preparedness significantly contributed to the high number of deaths and injuries among both protesters and police officers.

IPOA’s report highlights that during the protests, police officers were often overpowered as peaceful demonstrations escalated into chaos.

“In majority of the instances, police conduct was restrained, while in others, use of force led to injuries and fatalities,” the report stated.

The report also went on to note that officers used unmarked vehicles, deployed hooded and masked officers in civilian clothes, and in some cases, concealed their badges of ranks and name tags.

The report further pointed out the shortage of essential riot equipment in several key locations.

“In Kitengela town, in particular, the police were overwhelmed by increasingly large crowds resulting in difficulty managing protesters and increasing tensions,” IPOA observed.

IPOA emphasized the need to protect citizens’ constitutional rights to protest which a failure to facilitate implementation of the rights under Article 37 is the leading cause of violence, deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and significant resource drain.

The authority recommended that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ensure all officers at protests are identifiable and that deaths or serious injuries are reported to IPOA for immediate and independent investigation.

IPOA also suggested that police use body-worn cameras and videography to enhance evidence gathering and accountability.

The report called for the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to better manage demonstrations in the future.

Key recommendations such as improving police preparedness, equipping officers with proper riot gear, and ensuring transparency through clear identification of officers were highly considered at various levels within the National Police Service (NPS).