IPOA launches probe into deaths linked to fuel protests

In a statement issued on Saturday, IPOA said it launched rapid response investigations after several fatalities were reported during demonstrations against the increase in fuel prices and the resulting economic hardships faced by Kenyans.

The authority said it is currently investigating multiple cases in Kiambu and Nakuru counties, including a death in police custody and several fatal shootings linked to the protests.

Death in custody ruled suicide

One of the cases under investigation involves the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung'u Njung'e, who died while being held at Kiambu Police Station.

According to IPOA, Njung'e, a resident of the Kirigiti area, had been arrested on May 21, 2026, in connection with a suspected theft case and placed in custody at around 11 a.m.

The authority said he was discovered hanging inside the police cells approximately 52 minutes later using a mattress cover.

Investigators visited the scene, documented the incident and collected relevant records before the body was moved to the Kenyatta University Funeral Home.

IPOA said a post-mortem examination established the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation and confirmed the death as suicide.

"Preliminary review of the scene and custodial records did not reveal visible external injuries on the body," the authority stated.

However, IPOA said investigations are continuing to establish whether officers complied with detention procedures and whether custodial supervision at the station was adequate.

Probe into fatal shooting in Kiambu

The authority is also investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in the Mburerie area of Kiambu Town.

According to preliminary findings, Karuu was among demonstrators on May 18 when he sustained a gunshot wound near the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya at around 1:00 p.m.

He was rushed to Radiant Hospital for first aid treatment but was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later. His body was subsequently transferred to St. Theresa Hospital Mortuary in Thindigua.

IPOA said investigators processed the scene and obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business premises.

Preliminary witness accounts indicate that a single armed officer believed to have been dressed in a Kenya Prisons Service uniform may have been involved in the shooting.

A post-mortem examination established that Karuu suffered a single gunshot wound that caused severe internal injuries, including a ruptured lung and fractured ribs.

The authority said investigations are focusing on the legality and proportionality of the use of force, as well as command responsibility during the operation.

Beyond Kiambu, IPOA said it is actively investigating a series of fatal shootings reported in Nakuru County during the protests.

The cases include the deaths of Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, as well as James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji and Solomon in Molo.

The authority is also probing the fatal shooting of an unidentified individual in Mwariki, Nakuru County.

IPOA condemns violence

While investigating the fatalities, IPOA noted that several police officers were injured during the protests and that property of unknown value was destroyed.

The authority condemned the destruction and urged Kenyans to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and within the confines of the law.

"IPOA therefore condemns this destruction and calls upon citizens to conduct themselves within the confines of the law to avoid turning peaceful protests into situations of suffering and disruption of socio-economic activities," the statement said.

The authority assured the public that all investigations are being conducted independently and impartially and pledged to provide periodic updates as inquiries progress.

IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a quick recovery to all those injured, including police officers affected during the demonstrations.

She reiterated the authority's commitment to promoting police accountability, protecting human rights and ensuring compliance with constitutional policing standards during public order management operations.