Photo Caption: IPOA Chairperson Dr Duncan Ojwang’ Oburu (centre) addresses the media during a briefing on efforts to advance accountability, justice and compensation for victims of human rights violations in Nairobi.
Justice, healing and accountability: IPOA walks the journey with victims’ families
Nairobi, 29 October 2026 – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has underscored its growing role in the national quest for redress, convening a panel of experts led by Professor Makau Mutua to deliberate on compensation for victims of human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests.
The engagement centred on accountability, reparations and justice, with the Authority detailing how its investigative work, data and institutional cooperation will inform the panel’s deliberations.
The delegation was received by IPOA Chairperson Dr Duncan Ojwang’ Oburu, Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, commissioners and members of the Authority’s secretariat.
Dr Oburu emphasised the Authority’s pivotal contribution to the process, citing the findings of its investigations and the information it has furnished to support the panel’s mandate.
Professor Mutua commended the Authority’s role and reflected on the gravity of the undertaking.
“While compensation cannot undo the harm suffered, it represents an important step towards justice and national healing,” he said.
Bringing the process to the people
The engagement did not end within the confines of the meeting room. Accompanied by Assistant Director of Investigations Irene Inoti and officers from the Authority’s corporate communications division, the panel paid a visit to the mother of the late Rex Masai in Kayole, Nairobi.
The delegation also called on Nigel Oduor Otieno in Mathare and Brian Mwangi Wangari in Ruiru, acknowledging their experiences and advancing conversations on accountability and reparations.
At the Masai home, Professor Mutua conveyed President William Ruto’s personal apology over the death of her son during the June 2024 protests. The case drew national attention to allegations of police brutality and intensified calls for accountability.
A mandate in motion
IPOA reaffirmed its commitment to its oversight mandate, which encompasses investigating complaints against police officers and supporting initiatives designed to prevent future violations and strengthen public confidence in policing.
The Authority’s participation, spanning evidence, institutional support and direct contact with affected families, demonstrates an oversight body that is active, visible and invested in delivering justice, healing and accountability.
Important update on the push for accountability and justice for the victims
They truly deserve justice
“Faith without action is death.”
Government should consider rights of victims affected and compensate for any loss . Always leaders honouring that effect, you are doing good job .
Thats good news
Dr Duncan Ojwang’ is a kind of leader we need,violation of human rights have just become a normal thing in our daily lives nowadays.
They actually need justice
An apology+compensation doesn’t bring someone back to life and it doesn’t replace a courts case for accountability. The test will be:does everyone get compensated fairly and does accountability for officers also happen alongside the money? This is what should across our minds