IPOA says 3,988 officers under investigation for police excesses, 47 convicted
By Faith Lagat, February 17, 2026The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has disclosed that 3,988 police officers are currently under investigation for various forms of misconduct, with 47 officers already convicted in successful prosecutions.
The revelations were made by IPOA Deputy Director for Inspection, Monitoring and Preventive Services, Munene Mugambi, during a televised interview on February 16, 2026, highlighting the authority’s ongoing efforts to ensure accountability within the National Police Service.
Investigations and convictions
Mugambi provided detailed figures on the authority’s operations, emphasizing the complexity and thoroughness of investigations.
“As we speak, we have 3,988 officers under investigation for police excesses,” he said.
“This includes matters pending investigations at IPOA. Out of these, we have secured convictions against 47 officers across thirty-three case files involving deaths, serious injuries, sexual offences and other human rights violations.”
He stressed that thorough investigations require time, as files undergo statement collection, internal review, and referral to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“Investigations are not an event. To expect convictions at this point is to over-expect,” Mugambi noted, adding that scrutiny ensures cases are legally sound.
Responding to public criticism
The deputy director addressed recent public concerns over the perceived slow pace of certain investigations, particularly comments from National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed. Mugambi clarified that Mohamed and his team are yet to provide necessary statements on the matter raised, though investigations continue.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean investigations are stalled,” he said. “Honourable Newton and team appeared before us previously on another incident, and we are still progressing those investigations.”
Mugambi underlined that the authority’s methodical approach is essential to achieving convictions that withstand judicial review, rather than rushing cases to appease public pressure.
Challenges and the Way Forward
Mugambi highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly budgetary and resource constraints, which affect IPOA’s operational capacity.
“We are not denying that we have funding and resource challenges. We’ve been appealing to members of Parliament to support IPOA around resources,” he said.
Since its establishment in 2011, IPOA has investigated complaints ranging from unlawful killings, torture, and sexual misconduct by police officers. The latest figures underscore the prevalence of alleged misconduct, even though successful prosecutions remain limited.