IPOA Breaks Silence After Police Officers Killed, Injured in Kiambu, Isiolo

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has raised concern over a series of attacks that have left police officers dead or injured in different parts of Kenya, with two Anti-Stock Theft Unit officers killed in Isiolo and another wounded in a separate ambush.

“The death of police officers in the line of duty is devastating, as it undermines public safety and legitimacy in policing,” Oburu said.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, IPOA Chairperson Dr Duncan Ojwang’ Oburu said the Authority was concerned about attacks targeting members of the National Police Service as they carried out their duties.

Two Officers Killed in Isiolo

Chief Inspector Adan Isaak Somo and Constable Bethwel Kibet, both attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), were ambushed and killed by armed attackers at Gotu in Isiolo County.

The officers were among a team pursuing suspected livestock thieves when the attack occurred on September 16. The incident also left a National Police Reservist and two civilians dead, according to reports on the attack.

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IPOA also mourned another ASTU officer who was shot and injured in Burat Ward, Isiolo County, during an ambush by suspected livestock raiders.

These two incidents have placed renewed attention on the risks facing officers deployed to areas affected by livestock theft and armed attacks.

IPOA said the safety of police officers is closely tied to their ability to maintain public order and work with communities.

“Kenyans want an empowered police service that is safe and engages communities confidently, effectively, professionally, and efficiently,” Oburu said.

IPOA Calls for Evidence-Based Policing

The Authority has called on the National Police Service (NPS) to strengthen its approach to policing by relying on strategies informed by evidence and established good practice.

“IPOA calls on the National Police Service to ensure that policing is supported and informed by fit-for-purpose strategies and insights based on evidence and good practice,” the chairperson said.

The statement also addressed the death of Sergeant Gladys Nyaguthe Kirika, who was found dead in Kagira, Kabete, Kiambu County.

Her death means the IPOA statement covers incidents involving police officers in both Isiolo and Kiambu, rather than focusing on a single security operation or county.

This statement comes days after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) raised concerns over renewed insecurity in Isiolo, Turkana and West Pokot, as well as violence in Embu.

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KNCHR said recent attacks had resulted in deaths, livestock theft and destruction of property, while calling for investigations and stronger protection of lives.

In Isiolo, the commission also cited the September 16 Gotu attack in which five people were killed, including two police officers.

IPOA said it remains committed to promoting professionalism, accountability, discipline, transparency and respect for human rights within the National Police Service, urging continued cooperation between police officers, citizens and oversight institutions as efforts to maintain public safety continue.

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Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. PHOTO/ FILE