Independent Medico Legal Unit IMLU

15/08/2026

14/08/2026

Press statement: Custodial deaths are grave human rights violations.

IMLU welcomes IG Douglas Kanja’s directive to immediately interdict officers on duty when a suspect dies in custody. But interdiction alone is not justice.

-In 2025, IMLU documented 20 deaths in custody.

-From January 2026 to date, IMLU has documented 20 deaths in custody. We have conducted 18 forensic autopsies that revealed victims died from suffocation/hanging, severe beatings, and neglected
medical emergencies while in state care.

We demand:
- Prompt, independent, and exhaustive investigations into all deaths and cases of torture in places of detention.
- The operationalization of the National Coroners Service Act.
- The enforcement of both individual and command accountability.

Read our full statement: https://www.imlu.org/statement-on-the-directive-by-inspector-general-of-police-douglaskanja-on-custodial-deaths-and-accountability/

Report police brutality and torture to IMLU on 0800721401 or 0706162795.

10/08/2026

Happening now!

The 2027 General Election is already shaping conversations on Kenya’s future.

Join our Executive Director, Wangechi Kahuria, for an important conversation on the upcoming 2027 elections, human rights, accountability, civic space, and what is needed to ensure peaceful and inclusive elections.

Tune in and be part of the conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi_bW6aH8z4

10/08/2026

06/08/2026

Police brutality remains a pressing human rights concern in Kenya. But who is accountable when unlawful force is used: the individual officer, the commander, or both?

Watch our Executive Director, Wangechi Kahuria, explain the principles of individual and command responsibility, the legal duty of police leadership to prevent and address abuse, and why accountability is essential to ending impunity, protecting human rights, and rebuilding public trust in policing.

Spice FM, The Home of Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice!Tune in to...

05/08/2026

IMLU is deeply saddened by the death of Erick Otieno, who reportedly died following an alleged assault while in police custody.
Deaths and assaults in custody raise serious concerns about unlawful use of force and the protection of the rights of persons deprived of their liberty.
We call on IPOA to conduct a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation and ensure all those responsible are held accountable.

05/08/2026

Call for consultancy: End of Project Documentary Production.

IMLU is looking for a qualified consultant or firm to produce two end-of-project documentaries capturing the impact, achievements, lessons learned, and stories of change from our human rights programming.

We are looking for an experienced storyteller with a proven track record in documentary production, particularly within the human rights, governance, or development sectors, to bring these stories to life.

Help us document stories of resilience, accountability, justice, and lasting impact.

Download the Terms of Reference for full details and application requirements here:https://www.imlu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/End-of-Project-Documentary-ToR.pdf