Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has said the deaths of unarmed youth during the Gen Z demonstrations must be examined thoroughly, signalling a renewed push for accountability in Kenya’s crowd-control operations.
His remarks, issued during an interview with a local TV station, come amid sustained public concern over how officers handled the nationwide protests.
The IG conceded that some police actions fell short of expected standards, noting that officers should have exercised better judgement in managing the confrontations.
He stated that continuous training remains central to improving officers’ readiness, especially when dealing with fast-changing protest environments.
Kanja said the National Police Service must always work within the law and uphold the rights of citizens.
His comments speak to a broader national conversation on policing, particularly following several high-profile complaints about the use of force during public demonstrations.
Kenya has witnessed recurring tensions between police and protesters in recent years, often intensified during election cycles or periods of economic distress.
The Gen Z protests, driven largely by younger Kenyans demanding reforms, once again highlighted longstanding challenges in balancing security operations with constitutional freedoms.
According to Kanja, the killing of civilians is not aligned with the mandate of the police service, and any officer implicated in unlawful actions will be scrutinized through formal investigative procedures.
He pointed to oversight institutions such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) as key players in determining what transpired in each incident.
The IG added that external reviews help ensure transparency and offer an independent record of events.
Kanja explained that investigators must establish what triggered the fatal encounters and whether officers adhered to operational guidelines.
He emphasized that every case involving loss of life warrants detailed assessment to provide a clear account of decisions made on the ground. Such findings, he said, would guide any disciplinary steps or further legal action.
Kenya’s police oversight structure, strengthened after the 2010 Constitution, was designed to deter impunity and improve public confidence in law enforcement.
The Gen Z protests have reignited debate on whether the reforms have been effective and what additional measures may be needed to improve crowd-control standards.
The IG affirmed that the service will cooperate fully with all agencies reviewing the protest-related deaths.