Rights group VOCAL Africa has demanded the immediate installation of CCTV cameras in all police cells and independent investigations into deaths in custody after documenting 22 such cases in Kenya this year.
In a statement on Friday, the group noted that the deaths, including cases initially reported as suicides inside police cells, require closer scrutiny because there is often little independent evidence to show what happened before a detainee is reported dead.
“Every such death must be subjected to an immediate, independent and credible investigation,” VOCAL Africa said.
The organisation wants CCTV cameras to operate around the clock in police cells and other custody areas, with footage securely preserved and safeguards put in place to prevent officers from switching off, deleting or interfering with recordings.
According to the group, the system would help establish what happened to detainees while also protecting police officers from false accusations.
“There should be no reason why, in 2026, deaths continue occurring inside police stations with little or no independent evidence showing what happened in the hours preceding a detainee’s death,” the group said.
The demand comes as the government works to implement a policy announced last year requiring CCTV surveillance in police stations across the country.
In July 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen (CS) said the measure would be rolled out within two years as part of wider efforts to strengthen police accountability and reform the security sector.
The CS’ announcement followed growing public concern over alleged police misconduct, including the June 2025 death of Albert Ojwang in the custody of security officers.
VOCAL Africa’s demands come a day after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warned senior commanders that they could be held personally responsible for crimes committed by officers under their watch.
The group welcomed IG Kanja’s remarks but said they must be followed by action against officers where investigations establish individual liability.
“If officers are to “carry their own cross”, then officers credibly implicated in unlawful killings, torture or other criminal conduct must be investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, arrested and prosecuted,” it said.
“Station commanders also have a responsibility for what happens inside facilities under their command.
“Further, VOCAL Africa urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to speed up investigations into deaths involving police officers and improve communication with affected families.
According to the group, its concerns go beyond deaths in custody, reporting that it has documented more than 70 people killed in police shootings this year, including 20 during fuel-price protests.
“Twenty-two documented deaths in police custody and more than 70 deaths through police shootings in close to eight months are not mere statistics. They represent lives that should not have been lost. The Inspector General has said officers will carry their own cross. Kenyans need to see action,” the group said.
