A Kenyan mother seeking justice for her son, who was allegedly shot dead during the 2017 post-election protests, has accused an Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) officer of demanding a Ksh150,000 bribe to help advance her case.
The grieving mother says her family followed instructions to complete the necessary paperwork after the killing but has yet to obtain the justice it has been seeking.
In an emotional account on Monday, November 9, 2026, she narrated how her son was shot and killed during demonstrations in 2017, explaining that the family subsequently approached the relevant authorities in the hope of securing accountability.
“Mtoto wangu alipigwa risasi na kuuawa mwaka 2017 wakati wa maandamano. Tuliambiwa tujaze makaratasi tukajaza. Nilifika mahali hata nikaombwa kutoa nambari ya akaunti. Lakini sasa afisa mmoja wa IPOA ananiambia nitoe hongo ya shilingi 150,000 ili anisaidie,” she said.
Translated into English, the mother said:
“My child was shot and killed during the demonstrations in 2017. We were told to fill in some paperwork, and we did. At some point, I was even asked to provide an account number. But now an IPOA officer is telling me to pay a Ksh150,000 bribe so that he can help me.”
Her allegation raises questions about the challenges families of victims of alleged police brutality face when pursuing justice through official accountability mechanisms.
Mother says family has waited years for justice
The mother’s account highlights the difficulties that can arise when families pursue investigations into deaths allegedly involving police officers.
According to her account, the family complied with requests to complete paperwork and subsequently provided bank account details during the process.
However, she now alleges that an individual claiming to be an IPOA officer demanded Ksh150,000 before offering assistance with her son’s case.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged demand, including when and where it occurred, have not been independently established.
It is also unclear whether the mother has formally reported the alleged bribery demand or whether IPOA has opened an investigation into the matter.
What is IPOA’s responsibility in police killing cases?
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority was established under the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Act of 2011 to provide civilian oversight of the National Police Service.
Its responsibilities include investigating deaths and serious injuries resulting from police action, receiving complaints of police misconduct and recommending prosecution or disciplinary action where investigations establish grounds for such action.
IPOA also allows members of the public to submit complaints through its offices, telephone, website, letters and email.
The authority’s official guidance identifies deaths and serious injuries resulting from police action as priority cases for investigation.
Consequently, the mother’s allegation raises an important accountability question about the conduct of individuals entrusted with helping victims and their families pursue justice.
2017 post-election violence: A painful chapter in Kenya’s history
The mother’s account brings renewed attention to the deaths and injuries recorded during Kenya’s 2017 post-election violence.
A joint investigation published by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on October 16, 2017, documented at least 33 people killed by police in Nairobi following the August 8 general election.
The organisations also reported that another 17 deaths were alleged, although researchers could not independently confirm those cases.
Their investigation documented shootings, beatings and other incidents involving excessive use of force against protesters and residents in several Nairobi neighbourhoods.
Human Rights Watch separately documented allegations of unlawful killings and police brutality in western Kenya, including Kisumu and Siaya counties.
The reports called for thorough investigations and accountability for officers responsible for unlawful use of force.
For families who lost loved ones during that period, questions surrounding investigations and accountability remain deeply consequential.
Ksh150,000 allegation puts spotlight on accountability
The mother’s accusation raises concerns about whether families seeking justice can access the assistance and institutional support they are entitled to without facing alleged demands for unofficial payments.
If substantiated, the alleged conduct would warrant investigation and appropriate action.
However, the accusation against the unidentified officer remains unverified, and the officer has not been identified in the information available for this report.
IPOA’s response to the allegation, including whether it is aware of the complaint and whether an investigation has been initiated, remains important.
For the grieving mother, the central issue is still the same: finding justice for her son, who was allegedly shot dead during Kenya’s 2017 post-election protests.
