The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the death of a boda boda rider who died while in police custody at Kawangware Police Post.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 16, the authority said the investigation was initiated under its legal mandate to probe deaths and serious injuries that occur as a result of police actions.
IPOA stated that the deceased was a boda boda rider who had been arrested and was being held at the police post before being transferred to another station.
"On Sunday, 14 December 2025, and pursuant to Section 7(1)(a)(x) of the IPOA Act, CAP 86 of the Laws of Kenya, which mandates the Authority to investigate deaths and serious injuries at or suspected to have occurred as a result of police actions, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), on its own motion, launched investigations into the death of Jack Leon Matoke in police custody at Kawangware Police Post.
"Matoke, a Boda Boda rider, had been detained at the Police Post pending transfer and booking at Muthangari Police Station in Nairobi County on Thursday, 11 December 2025," the statement read.
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IPOA noted that several investigative steps have already been taken, including visiting the scene and engaging with the family.
"As part of the investigation, the Authority has already visited and documented the scene, established contacts of the family, and attended the post-mortem at the City Mortuary today, Monday, 15 December 2025," the statement added.
IPOA said the findings of the investigation will determine further action, including possible referrals to the Director of Public Prosecutions if criminal liability is established.
"The arising findings will guide the Authority's subsequent public communication on the status of the investigations and the actions taken, including the submission of appropriate recommendations to relevant State agencies, notably the Director of Public Prosecutions, if criminal liability is determined," the statement further read.
The authority has since urged calm as investigations into Matoke's death continue.
"Meanwhile, IPOA calls on the public and the affected families to remain calm, as the investigation is already under way," the statement concluded.
Elsewhere, this comes months after IPOA raised concern over rising cases of violence and hostility directed towards members of the National Police Service (NPS) by a section of the public.
In a statement on Monday, October 13, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan cautioned Kenyans against attacking officers, saying it undermines public safety efforts and threatens the rule of law.
Hassan cited recent attacks on police officers at State House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and Kiganjo Police Station in Gatundu, Kiambu County.
"The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is deeply concerned about the rising violence and unacceptable treatment directed towards members of the National Police Service (NPS) by some members of the public.
"Recent incidents have highlighted this troubling trend, including the disturbing events at State House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and Kiganjo Police Station in Gatundu, Kiambu County, where police officers were subjected to physical assaults, destruction of property, and, tragically, loss of life," read the statement in part.
IPOA urged Kenyans to exercise restraint and professionalism when engaging with law enforcement officers.
The authority also called on members of the public to uphold the rule of law and to seek redress through legally established channels in instances of police misconduct.
"Attacking police officers not only constitutes lawlessness but also undermines the spirit and intent of ongoing police reforms, risking the erosion of hard-won progress in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing," the statement added.
