Unnecessary Force? The Growing List of Civilians Killed by Police So Far in 2026

The first few weeks of 2026 have seen a worrying rise in police-related fatalities across Kenya. In just the first few weeks of the year, at least seven civilians were reportedly shot dead by officers.

These incidents have reignited a national debate regarding police brutality and the use of lethal force.

Tragedy on New Year’s Day

The year began with the death of 14-year-old Dennis Ringa Swaleh in Mombasa. The Grade Six pupil was allegedly shot by an officer while playing with fireworks on New Year's Day.

Eyewitnesses claimed the shooting was unprovoked as police moved to disperse a group of young people. A post-mortem examination later revealed that Ringa was shot from behind. The bullet entered through his back and exited his chest.

The Killing of a Medical Student

In February, the death of 21-year-old Sheryl Adhiambo sparked violent protests in Nairobi’s Huruma estate. Adhiambo was a first-year student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).

She was fatally shot on the evening of 7 February during a police pursuit of suspected robbers.

Police reported that the operation began after a robbery was reported at Huruma Police Station.

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They claimed officers were forced to fire warning shots when a crowd began throwing stones during an arrest.

Shortly after, Adhiambo was found fatally injured. The incident led to residents torching two vehicles in protest.

Justice Demanded in Kitengela

Another high-profile case involved 32-year-old Kevin Maseri, who died following a shooting at a club in Kitengela on 25 January. Maseri, a father of four, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital several days later. An autopsy confirmed he was shot at close range, with one bullet rupturing his internal organs and another hitting his scalp.

"When the senior police officers use a firearm against somebody who is armed with a stone, that is not proportionate. It is not legal, and it is absolutely unnecessary," said Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku.

Investigations have since led to the seizure of three firearms, two of which belong to police officers. Forensic tests on two of these pistols have already returned positive results.

Violence in the Counties

The wave of violence has not been limited to the capital. In Karatina, 40-year-old George Matheri was shot four times at a petrol station on 18 January. This incident caused residents to barricade the Nairobi-Karatina highway for several hours.

In Kakamega, forest rangers shot two men dead on 19 January during a dispute over a tractor carrying sand. Godfrey Muyonga, 50, and Benedict Isiakali, 34, were killed when rangers opened fire on a crowd that had allegedly attacked them with stones.

Calls for Accountability

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced investigations into many of these cases to establish if criminal or disciplinary action is required.

Under Article 244 of the Kenyan Constitution, the National Police Service is required to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms. Families and human rights organisations continue to call for transparency and the speedy arrest of those responsible.