The figures were disclosed by IPOA Deputy Director for Inspection, Monitoring and Preventive Services, Munene Mugambi, during a televised interview on February 16, 2026.
Mugambi said the cases under review involve a wide range of alleged offences, including unlawful killings, serious injuries, sexual offences and other violations of human rights.
“As we speak, we have 3,988 officers under investigation for police excesses,” Mugambi stated.
“As we speak, we have 3,988 officers under investigation for police excesses,” Mugambi stated.
“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.”
Investigations and prosecutions
Mugambi emphasized that investigations conducted by IPOA are detailed and methodical, often requiring significant time before cases are forwarded for prosecution.
Investigations and prosecutions
Mugambi emphasized that investigations conducted by IPOA are detailed and methodical, often requiring significant time before cases are forwarded for prosecution.
He explained that files undergo statement collection, evidence analysis, internal review processes and referral to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) before charges can be pursued in court.
“Investigations are not an event. To expect convictions at this point is to over-expect,” he noted, underscoring that the authority prioritises building legally sound cases that can withstand judicial scrutiny.
The 47 convictions secured so far mark notable milestones for the oversight body, although the number remains small compared to the thousands of cases under investigation.
“Investigations are not an event. To expect convictions at this point is to over-expect,” he noted, underscoring that the authority prioritises building legally sound cases that can withstand judicial scrutiny.
The 47 convictions secured so far mark notable milestones for the oversight body, although the number remains small compared to the thousands of cases under investigation.
IPOA maintains that the disparity reflects the complexity of cases rather than institutional inaction.
Responding to public criticism
The deputy director also addressed concerns raised by members of the public and political leaders over what they perceive as delays in concluding high-profile investigations.
Responding to public criticism
The deputy director also addressed concerns raised by members of the public and political leaders over what they perceive as delays in concluding high-profile investigations.
He referenced remarks by National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, clarifying that some individuals linked to ongoing cases are yet to record statements with the authority.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean investigations are stalled,” Mugambi said. “Honourable Newton and team appeared before us previously on another incident, and we are still progressing those investigations.”
He reiterated that IPOA cannot rush cases simply to meet public expectations, adding that premature action without sufficient evidence risks collapse in court.
“That doesn’t necessarily mean investigations are stalled,” Mugambi said. “Honourable Newton and team appeared before us previously on another incident, and we are still progressing those investigations.”
He reiterated that IPOA cannot rush cases simply to meet public expectations, adding that premature action without sufficient evidence risks collapse in court.
Challenges and way forward
Since its establishment in 2011, IPOA has handled thousands of complaints against police officers, ranging from torture and enforced disappearances to excessive use of force during public demonstrations.
Mugambi acknowledged that resource and budget constraints continue to hinder the authority’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.
Despite the challenges, the authority insists it remains committed to strengthening accountability within the National Police Service.
“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.
Despite the challenges, the authority insists it remains committed to strengthening accountability within the National Police Service.
The latest figures highlight both the scale of alleged misconduct and the continuing efforts to ensure that officers found culpable face justice under the law.
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