IPOA Investigates Deaths During Fuel Price Protest

Mandere Onyinkwa reports
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced inquiries into multiple deaths resulting from demonstrations against recent fuel price increases.
This action comes after public order measures implemented by the National Police Service on May 18, 2026.
According to an official statement, IPOA deployed rapid response teams to oversee police operations and record incidents involving loss of life.
One case under scrutiny involves the custodial death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e at Kiambu Police Station.
Njung’e, apprehended on May 21 regarding a suspected theft, was found hanging in police cells just under an hour after being detained.
A post-mortem at Kenyatta University Funeral Home determined the cause of death as asphyxia from ligature strangulation, consistent with suicide.
IPOA is examining custodial oversight and adherence to detention protocols at the facility.
The Authority is also investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in Mburerie, Kiambu Town.
Initial findings indicate Karuu was shot near Full Gospel Churches of Kenya at approximately 1:00 p.m. on May 18.
He died from his injuries at Radiant Hospital forty minutes later.
Witness testimonies and CCTV footage point to a single armed officer, reportedly wearing a Kenya Prisons Service uniform.
A post-mortem confirmed Karuu had a gunshot wound causing internal damage, including a ruptured lung and broken ribs.
IPOA is assessing the legality and proportionality of force applied during the demonstrations.
In Nakuru County, IPOA is investigating several fatal shootings associated with the protests.
Victims comprise Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji, and Solomon in Molo, and an unidentified individual in Mwariki.
The Authority acknowledged that police officers also sustained injuries and property was damaged during the unrest, condemning the destruction while encouraging citizens to protest within legal boundaries.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi assured the community that all inquiries are proceeding independently and without bias.
The Authority expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and wished speedy recovery to the injured, including law enforcement personnel.
“IPOA remains dedicated to advancing police accountability, safeguarding human rights, and maintaining constitutional policing standards during public order management operations,” the statement highlighted.