The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened investigations into a series of deaths that occurred during fuel price protests held across parts of Kenya on May 18, 2026.

The authority says it is looking at custody-related deaths and multiple fatal shootings linked to public order operations by police.

In a statement, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority said it monitored police action during the protests and later launched rapid response investigations after several fatalities were reported. IPOA said it acted under its legal mandate to oversee policing operations and publish findings for public accountability.

Death in Kiambu police custody

One of the cases under investigation is the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e, who died while in custody at Kiambu Police Station.

IPOA says police arrested him on May 21, 2026, at around 11:00 am in connection with a suspected theft case. Officers placed him in the cells shortly after arrest. Less than an hour later, at about 11:52 am, officers found him hanging inside the cell using a mattress cover.

Investigators visited the scene, documented it and collected police records. A post-mortem later found that he died from asphyxia due to neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation. The report confirmed suicide.

However, IPOA said it is still examining whether officers followed proper supervision procedures. The authority said it will assess whether custody rules were observed and whether the death could have been prevented.

IPOA stated: “Investigations remain ongoing to determine the adequacy of custodial supervision and compliance with detention procedures.”

Fatal shooting during protests

The second case involves the shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in Mburere area, Kiambu County.

IPOA says the incident happened on May 18, 2026, at around 1:00 pm near a church in Kiambu Town. Witnesses reported that he was among protesters when he was shot. He was taken to hospital but died about 40 minutes later.

Investigators recovered CCTV footage and recorded witness statements. Early findings suggest that a single armed officer may have fired the shot. The officer is believed to have been wearing a Kenya Prisons Service uniform.

A post-mortem showed that Karuu suffered one gunshot wound that caused serious internal injuries, including a ruptured lung and broken ribs.

IPOA said it is now reviewing whether the use of force was lawful and proportionate. It is also examining command responsibility during the protest response.

Cases in Nakuru County

IPOA is also investigating several fatal shootings in Nakuru County linked to the same protests. These include the deaths of Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, and James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji, and another man identified only as Solomon in Molo. The Authority is also probing the killing of an unidentified person in Mwariki.

IPOA noted that police officers were injured during the protests and property was damaged in some areas. It condemned the destruction and urged protesters to act within the law.

Ongoing investigations

IPOA said it will continue to update the public as investigations progress. It stressed that all cases will be handled independently and in line with the Constitution.

The Authority said: “We remain committed to promoting police accountability and protecting human rights during public order operations.”

It also extended condolences to families who lost relatives and wished recovery to those injured during the protests, including police officers.