Kenya 1 June 2026 – As Kenya edges closer to another season of heightened political activity, the country’s police watchdog is stepping into an increasingly sensitive national conversation: how to safeguard the constitutional right to protest without plunging the country into cycles of violence, destruction and loss of life.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a fresh appeal to both police officers and ordinary Kenyans to embrace peaceful demonstrations, professional policing and dialogue as the country grapples with growing political tensions.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Kerugoya, IPOA Chief Executive Officer Elema Halake delivered a message that reflected the delicate balancing act facing the country—protecting civil liberties while maintaining public order.
“We are here to build trust between the police and the public and encourage cooperation in maintaining peace and security,” Halake said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of recurring confrontations witnessed in recent years whenever political demonstrations spill into violence, resulting in injuries, deaths, destruction of property and accusations of excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies.
For IPOA, the challenge extends beyond investigating police misconduct. It increasingly involves preventing conflict before it occurs.
Halake said the authority is intensifying efforts to bridge the trust deficit that has historically existed between police officers and communities, arguing that effective security cannot be achieved through force alone.
“Professional policing and public confidence go hand in hand. We want citizens to feel protected and officers to serve with integrity and respect for the law,” he said.
The watchdog has also renewed calls for citizens to actively participate in community policing initiatives, including Nyumba Kumi, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and wananchi.
At the heart of IPOA’s message is accountability.
Halake reminded Kenyans that police officers remain subject to the law and urged members of the public to report misconduct through the authority’s 24-hour toll-free hotline.
“Any person who experiences or witnesses police misconduct should report it. We are available day and night to receive complaints and take appropriate action,” he said.
But while IPOA continues to monitor police conduct, it is also increasingly directing its attention to the conduct of demonstrators themselves.
Commissioner John Muchiri Nyaga warned that constitutional freedoms must be exercised responsibly, noting that demonstrations often become volatile when infiltrated by criminal elements or when organisers fail to maintain order.
“Demonstrations should be conducted peacefully to avoid situations that may escalate and result in unnecessary confrontation between police officers and members of the public,” Nyaga said.
