By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya 1 June 2026 - As Kenya edges closer to another season of heightened political activity, the country's police watchdog is stepping into an increasingly sensitive national conversation: how to safeguard the constitutional right to protest without plunging the country into cycles of violence, destruction and loss of life.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a fresh appeal to both police officers and ordinary Kenyans to embrace peaceful demonstrations, professional policing and dialogue as the country grapples with growing political tensions.
Speaking during a stakeholders' engagement forum in Kerugoya, IPOA Chief Executive Officer Elema Halake delivered a message that reflected the delicate balancing act facing the country—protecting civil liberties while maintaining public order.
"We are here to build trust between the police and the public and encourage cooperation in maintaining peace and security," Halake said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of recurring confrontations witnessed in recent years whenever political demonstrations spill into violence, resulting in injuries, deaths, destruction of property and accusations of excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies.
For IPOA, the challenge extends beyond investigating police misconduct. It increasingly involves preventing conflict before it occurs.
Halake said the authority is intensifying efforts to bridge the trust deficit that has historically existed between police officers and communities, arguing that effective security cannot be achieved through force alone.
"Professional policing and public confidence go hand in hand. We want citizens to feel protected and officers to serve with integrity and respect for the law," he said.
The watchdog has also renewed calls for citizens to actively participate in community policing initiatives, including Nyumba Kumi, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and wananchi.
At the heart of IPOA's message is accountability.
Halake reminded Kenyans that police officers remain subject to the law and urged members of the public to report misconduct through the authority's 24-hour toll-free hotline.
"Any person who experiences or witnesses police misconduct should report it. We are available day and night to receive complaints and take appropriate action," he said.
But while IPOA continues to monitor police conduct, it is also increasingly directing its attention to the conduct of demonstrators themselves.
Commissioner John Muchiri Nyaga warned that constitutional freedoms must be exercised responsibly, noting that demonstrations often become volatile when infiltrated by criminal elements or when organisers fail to maintain order.
"Demonstrations should be conducted peacefully to avoid situations that may escalate and result in unnecessary confrontation between police officers and members of the public," Nyaga said.
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His comments touch on one of the most contentious issues in Kenya's democratic journey.
The Constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions. Yet nearly every major political protest in recent years has reignited debates over where the line should be drawn between public order and civil liberties.
Rights groups have frequently accused security agencies of using excessive force, while government officials have often blamed violent protesters and criminal gangs for turning peaceful demonstrations into chaos.
IPOA appears to be positioning itself as a mediator between the two sides.
"The right to demonstrate must go hand in hand with responsibility," Nyaga said. "Violence and destruction only create tension and make it difficult to maintain law and order."
The commissioner pointed to Kirinyaga as an example of how engagement between communities and law enforcement can help reduce tensions, noting that the county has recorded relatively fewer complaints against police officers and fewer incidents of violence during public protests compared to many other parts of the country.
Beyond citizens and police officers, IPOA is also placing responsibility squarely on Kenya's political leadership.
Nyaga urged politicians, religious leaders, elders and opinion shapers to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and instead champion national unity.
"We must learn from past incidents that led to loss of lives and destruction of property. Leaders from all sides have a duty to preach peace and bring Kenyans together," he said.
The message carries particular significance as political competition begins to intensify across the country.
Kenya's history has repeatedly demonstrated that political rhetoric can either calm public emotions or inflame tensions. IPOA's latest intervention suggests growing concern that the country cannot afford another cycle of protest-related violence and mistrust between citizens and security agencies.
As political temperatures gradually rise, the watchdog's appeal is simple but consequential: citizens must protest peacefully, police must act professionally, and leaders must choose dialogue over confrontation.
Whether Kenya's political class and its security institutions heed that advice could shape the country's stability in the months ahead.
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