At least 20 people have died in police custody in the past four months, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed.

This statement has, however, sparked fresh concerns over police accountability in Kenya.

Speaking with a local TV station, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said the trend was worrying and pointed to systemic failures within the National Police Service (NPS).

“There have been 20 deaths in police custody in the last four months recorded in Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kakamega, Murang’a, Machakos, Kisi, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kiambu, Bungoma, and Nairobi Counties,” Hassan revealed.

The revelation comes as the country reacts to the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, whose body was discovered with injuries initially described by police as self-inflicted. However, an autopsy showed Ojwang was assaulted while in custody, contradicting police claims and aligning with IPOA’s findings of excessive force or negligence by officers.

“Given the seriousness of the case, we moved swiftly to investigate the sudden death of Ojwang,” Hassan said. “We dispatched our team to Central Police Station that same night. They remain on the ground and have already visited the scene.”

Ojwang’s case has ignited national outrage, with citizens demanding justice and an end to police brutality. Civil society groups and social media users have called for the prosecution of those responsible and urgent reforms within the NPS.

Hassan’s update also casts doubt on the progress of recent engagement efforts between IPOA and the police. Earlier this year, Hassan held a courtesy call with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja aimed at strengthening cooperation and oversight. But the surge in deaths suggests these efforts are yet to bear fruit.

The spike in custody deaths comes at a tense time for Kenya, with the country marking one year since widespread protests over governance, cost of living, and police excesses.

Mandate

IPOA is mandated to investigate complaints against police and recommend disciplinary or legal action. The authority now says it is pursuing individual investigations into each of the 20 cases.

“We must hold officers accountable. No Kenyan should die in the hands of those sworn to protect them,” Hassan said.

The authority has pledged to release a detailed report once investigations are complete.