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The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has called on Kenyans to uphold the rule of law and use established channels for grievances, following recent incidents of violence against police officers, including a fatal attack at State House, Nairobi.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has expressed deep concern over a surge in violence targeting members of the National Police Service (NPS) by the public. This comes after a series of disturbing incidents, including the killing of a police officer at State House, Nairobi, and another at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), alongside an attack on Kiganjo Police Station in Kiambu County.
In a statement released on Monday, October 13, 2025, IPOA urged Kenyans to exercise restraint and channel their concerns through legal avenues, rather than resorting to vigilantism. The Authority warned that such acts not only endanger law enforcement officers but also risk eroding the progress made in enhancing accountability and professionalism within the police force.
On Monday, October 13, 2025, Police Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer, was fatally speared with an arrow by a 56-year-old suspect, Kinyuka Kinyumi, outside State House, Nairobi. The incident occurred at approximately 8:15 AM EAT as officers conducted routine security checks. Witnesses reported that the assailant posed as a street dweller, concealing the weapon in a sack before the attack. Constable Matanka succumbed to his injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Separately, on Sunday evening, October 12, 2025, Constable Nahashon Katumo, a GSU officer manning the JKIA perimeter fence, was found dead in a pool of stagnant water near Kwa Mwenje Resort in Embakasi, Nairobi. Police reports indicate he had an altercation with a civilian at a resort where he had gone to charge his phone. A resort supervisor reportedly witnessed an unidentified man strangling the officer. The body bore visible injuries to the neck and face, suggesting strangulation. A suspect was arrested in connection with this incident.
In another incident, Kiganjo Police Station in Gatundu, Kiambu County, was attacked by a mob after a suspect, Paul Njuguna Kinyanjui, 30, died in police custody. The mob vandalised offices and set a section of the facility ablaze on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, destroying critical infrastructure. Police stated that Kinyanjui, arrested for alleged marijuana possession, swallowed the substance during his arrest, leading to suffocation. However, witnesses claimed police officers had beaten him.
The relationship between the public and the police in Kenya has long been fraught with challenges. Reports from organisations like the International Justice Mission (IJM) indicate that police misconduct remains a significant issue despite constitutional and institutional reforms. A study by IJM revealed that 42.9 percent of Kenyans experienced police misconduct between 2022 and 2024. Corruption, extortion, harassment, arbitrary arrests, physical assault, and even fatal violence are among the abuses reported.
Historically, police abuse of power has been commonplace, with officers often operating with little fear of consequences. While IPOA was established to enhance accountability, under-reporting of cases to the Authority remains a concern. For instance, reporting by the National Police Service to IPOA of cases involving death or serious injury from police conduct significantly dropped between 2015 and 2017.
IPOA's mandate is to provide civilian oversight over the National Police Service, ensuring accountability and adherence to human rights. The Authority investigates incidents of police misconduct and makes recommendations, though it does not have the power to launch prosecutions directly. IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan has consistently urged the public to use legally established channels for redress in instances of police misconduct, emphasising that attacking officers undermines the spirit of ongoing police reforms.
IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan has strongly condemned the rising violence, stating that such actions undermine public safety and order. Human rights organisations have frequently highlighted the issue of police brutality. For example, a consortium of civil society groups reported 118 deaths at the hands of police in Kenya in 2023 alone, with only a small fraction of officers arrested.
The escalating violence against police officers poses a significant threat to national security and the rule of law. It risks creating a cycle of mistrust and retaliation, hindering efforts to foster a professional and accountable police service. Such incidents could also deter individuals from joining the police force, further exacerbating security challenges. Conversely, continued police misconduct risks eroding public confidence and legitimacy, potentially leading to increased public unrest.
The motives behind the recent attacks, particularly the State House incident, remain under investigation. While a suspect has been apprehended, the full scope of any potential conspiracy or individual motivation is yet to be determined. Similarly, the exact circumstances surrounding the death of Paul Njuguna in Kiganjo remain contentious, with conflicting accounts from police and witnesses.
The public will be keenly watching for the outcomes of the ongoing investigations into these incidents, particularly regarding the prosecution of those responsible. Further, attention will be on how IPOA and the National Police Service collaborate to address both violence against officers and allegations of police misconduct, aiming to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability across the board.
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