The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is concerned with a series of attacks and killings of National Police Service (NPS) personnel that have happened across the country and called for enhanced measures to boost the security of officers at work. IPOA Chairperson Duncan Ojwang said the loss of life among police officers on duty has negative implications for other citizens.

“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) expresses deep concern with the recent wave of attacks and killing of members of the National Police Service (NPS) in various parts of the country. This calls for urgent action,” said Ojwang.

Ojwang said the situation was of great concern and called for an end to the attacks against police officers which undermined public safety and the force’s integrity.

“The death of police officers in the line of duty is devastating since it tramples the public safety and confidence in policing institutions,” he said.

The IPOA condemnation comes as police officers continue to be killed across the country in attacks linked to banditry and cattle rustling. On September 16, 2026, two Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) policemen were shot and killed in Gotu, Isiolo County, in an ambush. According to police reports in the wake of the tragedy, chief inspector Adan Isaak Somo and constable Bethwel Kibet were among five people who died as a result of the attack. IPOA noted that another ASTU officer died in Burat Ward, Isiolo County, following an attack by suspected livestock raiders.

The police force stated that the ASTU officers were in the process of apprehending suspected bandits for allegedly stealing livestock when the fatal shooting in Gotu occurred. According to police reports, a National Police Reservist and two civilians also died in the incident.

In another development, Sergeant Gladys Nyaguthe Kirika was found dead in Kagira, Kabete, Kiambu County. IPOA said it was deeply saddened by the loss of police personnel and extended its sympathy to the families and colleagues of the deceased policemen. It called for enhanced security measures for the NPS members to guarantee public safety.

“Kenya’s citizens demand a highly professional, safe and accountable police force that works confidently, effectively, professionally and efficiently with the communities,” said IPOA.

IPOA stated that building partnerships between police officers and the community was essential in enhancing security and police accountability. It also urged the NPS to uphold professional ethics, discipline, and integrity in its operations. The organization will continue to play its part in promoting professionalism, accountability, discipline, transparency, and human rights in the NPS.

IPOA’s concerns come as police investigations continue against bandits and cattle rustlers in Isiolo and other regions of northern Kenya. The security personnel have been at the forefront of the fight against the rampant banditry and violence in the region. According to the police, Isiolo County is one of the areas involved in the hunt for suspected bandits and cattle rustlers.

For the families of the officers killed in the line of duty, the police presence in various parts of the country has meant the loss of their loved ones after being deployed to areas considered hotspots for attacks. For the police service, IPOA stated that the attacks against them were an eye-opener for formulating strategies for the safety of police officers, which would enhance their duties. The IPOA was created to offer citizen oversight responsibility on the NPS, including promoting and upholding professional ethics in the police force.