By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into multiple fatalities arising from protests over the recent fuel price hike.
The move follows public order operations conducted by the National Police Service on May 18, 2026.
In a statement, IPOA confirmed that rapid response teams were deployed to monitor policing operations and document incidents where lives were lost.
Among the cases under investigation is the death in custody of 23-year-old Brian Ndungâu Njungâe at Kiambu Police Station.
Njungâe, arrested on May 21 in connection with a suspected theft case, was discovered hanging inside the police cells less than an hour after detention.
A post-mortem conducted at Kenyatta University Funeral Home established the cause of death as asphyxia due to ligature strangulation, consistent with suicide.
IPOA is probing custodial supervision and compliance with detention procedures at the station.
The Authority is also investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in Mburerie, Kiambu Town.
Preliminary findings indicate Karuu was shot near Full Gospel Churches of Kenya at around 1:00 p.m. on May 18.
He succumbed to injuries at Radiant Hospital forty minutes later.
Witness accounts and CCTV footage suggest involvement of a single armed officer believed to have been dressed in Kenya Prisons Service uniform.
A post-mortem confirmed Karuu sustained a gunshot wound that caused internal injuries, including a ruptured lung and fractured ribs.
IPOA is examining the legality and proportionality of force used during the demonstrations.
Elsewhere in Nakuru County, IPOA is investigating several fatal shootings linked to the protests.
Victims include Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji, and Solomon in Molo, and an unidentified person in Mwariki.
The Authority noted that police officers also suffered injuries and property was damaged during the unrest, condemning the destruction while urging citizens to conduct protests within the law.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi assured the public that all investigations are being conducted independently and impartially.
The Authority extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished quick recovery to those injured, including police officers.
âIPOA remains committed to promoting police accountability, protecting human rights, and ensuring adherence to constitutional policing standards during public order management operations,â the statement emphasized.