IPOA launches investigation after man dies in Kawangware Police Post
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 15, 2025The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the death of Jack Leon Matoke while in police custody at Kawangware Police Post in Nairobi County.
The move follows the authority’s mandate under Section 7(1)(a)(x) of the IPOA Act, Cap 86, which empowers it to investigate deaths and serious injuries resulting from police actions.
Matoke, a Boda Boda rider, was detained at Kawangware Police Post on Thursday, December 11, 2025, pending transfer and booking at Muthangari Police Station. His death occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025. IPOA acted on its own motion to begin a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.
“On Sunday, 14 December 2025, and pursuant to Section 7(1)(a)(x) of the IPOA Act, CAP 86 of the Laws of Kenya, which mandates the Authority to investigate deaths and serious injuries at or suspected to have occurred as a result of police actions, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), on its own motion, launched investigations into the death of Mr. Jack Leon Matoke in police custody at Kawangware Police Post,” the press release on Monday, December 15, 2025, reads.
“Mr. Matoke, a Boda Boda rider, had been detained at the Police Post pending transfer and booking at Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi County on Thursday, 11 December 2025.”
Investigation underway
As part of the investigation, IPOA officials have visited and documented the scene. They have also contacted Matoke’s family and attended his post-mortem examination at the City Mortuary.
These initial steps are intended to provide a thorough understanding of what happened and to guide further action.
“As part of the investigation, the Authority has already visited and documented the scene, established contacts of the family, and attended the post-mortem at the City Mortuary today, Monday, 15 December 2025.”
The findings from the investigation will inform IPOA’s next public statements on the case. The authority will also submit any necessary recommendations to relevant state agencies, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, should criminal liability be established.
IPOA emphasised that the investigation will be conducted independently, impartially, and fairly. The authority called on the public and affected families to remain calm while the inquiry is underway.
This investigation comes amid ongoing public scrutiny of police conduct in Kenya, where oversight bodies like IPOA play a key role in ensuring accountability.