Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

The British High Commission in Nairobi has voiced deep concern over rising cases of police brutality in Kenya.

This follows the latest violent crackdown on protesters that left unarmed civilians and protesters injured.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, June 18, the High Commission expressed alarm at the growing pattern of force used by Kenyan police.

The UK singled out incidents where civilians have been harmed during peaceful demonstrations or routine law enforcement operations.

"Police forces must command the trust and confidence of those they are duty-bound to serve and protect," read the statement in part.

The UK said it was deeply disturbed by violence against unarmed civilians and protestors, coming hours after a rogue police officer shot a hawker, sparking public outrage.

The British High Commission joined a growing list of foreign missions and civil society actors demanding accountability and justice for victims of police violence.

The former Kenyan colonial masters also sent well wishes to the victims of the recent police violence.

"We are deeply disturbed by violence against unarmed civilians & protestors yesterday.We send our best wishes for the swift recovery of those injured during yesterday’s violence," the statement continued, underscoring the need for a thorough inquiry and public accountability.

Over recent months, at least 20 individuals have died while in police custody, according to figures from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

The revelation came from IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan while addressing Parliament's National Security Committee on Thursday, June 12.

Hassan was responding to public outrage following the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, who died while being held by police.

Ojwang’s arrest took place in Homa Bay County and was carried out by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

His detention reportedly stemmed from a complaint filed by Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat over a social media post Ojwang had made on X.

After his arrest, Ojwang was transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi. By Sunday, his family arrived to check on him, only to be informed that he had died and his body had already been moved to City Mortuary.

Initial police reports claimed Ojwang had hit his head against a cell wall, leading to his death.

However, IPOA’s preliminary findings challenge that narrative. Hassan told lawmakers the evidence points to torture and a fatal beating.

He also indicated that CCTV footage from the station had been tampered with, describing the explanation from police leadership as a failed attempt to cover up the incident.

Though IPOA lacks prosecutorial authority, Hassan confirmed that all officers involved in the arrest, detention, and subsequent handling of Ojwang’s body are under investigation.

Hassan called the pattern of deaths in custody a crisis, demanding urgent reforms to hold police accountable and prevent further abuses.

Source: TUKO.co.ke