Police Officers’ Welfare Neglected During June 25 and July 7 Protests – IPOA Report

 

By Levin Kiprop

 The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has raised alarm over the poor welfare conditions endured by police officers during the June 25 and July 7 nationwide protests, stating that many officers were left without basic provisions, including food and water, while on duty.

In a report released on Thursday, IPOA detailed its observations from monitoring police operations during the demonstrations, revealing that inadequate logistical support severely hampered the effectiveness and wellbeing of the deployed officers.

“IPOA monitors observed that police officers deployed were not provided with meals during the demonstrations,” the report stated, noting a significant lapse in operational planning and support from the police leadership.

The June 25 protests marked the first anniversary of the 2023 anti-tax demonstrations, while the July 7 march commemorated the historic 1990 'Saba Saba' pro-democracy protests. Both events saw thousands of demonstrators take to the streets across the country, prompting a large-scale deployment of police to maintain public order and secure government installations.

In light of these findings, IPOA has called on the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to take urgent action to rectify the situation. “The Inspector General of Police should allocate a sufficient budget to ensure that meals, water, and allowances are provided for police officers deployed to provide security during protests,” the report recommended.

Beyond welfare issues, IPOA flagged troubling practices among some senior officers, including the refusal to accept notifications for planned protests — a move it described as a clear breach of the Public Order Act.

To enhance accountability and operational transparency, IPOA urged the police service to implement measures such as marking all police vehicles and assets clearly, and equipping officers with body-worn cameras and video equipment during demonstrations.

“These measures would not only promote accountability but also support evidence-based prosecution of offenders,” the report noted.

The oversight body also emphasized the need to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of protestors. Among its key recommendations were immediate medical attention for injured persons, the protection of medical personnel and facilities in high-risk areas, and the establishment of a dedicated Public Hospital Security Unit.

To prevent violent confrontations in future protests, IPOA advocated for proactive dialogue between the police and protest organizers. It also proposed launching a nationwide civic education campaign aimed at civil society groups engaged in human rights advocacy and police reforms.

Addressing concerns over the country’s police-to-population ratio, IPOA called on the National Police Service Commission to embark on a targeted recruitment campaign to improve the current ratio of one officer for every 600 citizens to the recommended standard of 1:450.

Additionally, IPOA appealed to the National Treasury and Parliament for increased funding to expand its operations and enhance its oversight capacity across all counties.

“This would strengthen IPOA’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate and ensure both police officers and citizens are protected during law enforcement operations,” the report concluded.