A new report by the Missing Voices coalition has revealed that extrajudicial killings by police officers in Kenya remain alarmingly high, with Nairobi County emerging as the epicentre. Released on May 7, the report documents 104 extrajudicial killings across the country in 2024, with Nairobi alone accounting for 38 cases over a third of the national total.
Kiambu County followed distantly with nine cases, while Kajiado and Migori recorded six each. Other affected counties included Kakamega and Nakuru (five each), Makueni and Uasin Gishu (four), and several others reporting between one and three incidents.
Although the total number of killings dropped by 12% from 118 in 2023, the report highlights that police shootings continue to dominate as the primary cause, with 90 people shot dead by police in 2024 compared to 113 in the previous year. However, deaths in police custody saw a significant rise—from two in 2023 to five in 2024, a 150% increase. Additionally, four deaths were attributed to tear gas injuries, while other victims were found dead or allegedly murdered under unclear circumstances.
The report states that most killings occurred during anti-crime (51 cases) and anti-riot (35 cases) police operations. A small number resulted from altercations with officers or were linked to suspected gender-based violence.
Out of the 104 deaths, only 43 are under investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). Four suspects have been arrested, with just one officer charged in court. No legal proceedings are ongoing for 50 other cases, and the status of six incidents remains unknown.
Amnesty International Kenya Director Irungu Houghton criticized the government’s failure to curb unlawful police conduct, noting that there were 1,800 public protests in 2024 and over 65 confirmed unlawful police killings. He urged the state to enhance protest management strategies, train officers in emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, and address underlying economic frustrations fueling unrest.
The report casts a harsh spotlight on police accountability and calls into question the government’s commitment to ending extrajudicial violence.
