When can police use force or shoot? What the law allows
National Police Service / IPOA · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Police must try non-violent means first, and any force must be proportionate and only as much as needed. Guns may only be used when less extreme means fail, mainly to protect life, and the officer must warn first unless that would put lives at risk.
- Where
- Report misuse of force to IPOA (Independent Policing Oversight Authority). Less serious complaints may go to the police Internal Affairs Unit.
Steps
- Police must first try non-violent means. Force is allowed only when those don't work or won't work.
- Any force must match the aim, how serious the offence is and how much the person resists, and go no further than needed.
- If force injures someone, the officers present must give medical help right away and tell the person's relatives or close friends.
- Guns may only be used when less extreme means are not enough: to save life, in self-defence or defence of others against a threat to life or serious injury, to protect life and property, or to stop a person charged with a felony escaping lawful custody.
- Before shooting, the officer must identify themselves and give a clear warning with time to obey, unless that would put someone at risk of death or serious harm.
Watch out
- Beating someone as punishment is not allowed: it is unlawful for a police officer to torture anyone or treat them in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way.
- Police rules say it is unlawful to shoot at someone running away from a petty offence; shooting is only allowed if the person is wanted for a serious crime of violence.
- Force that leads to death or serious injury must be reported to IPOA, which investigates. Obeying a superior's order is no excuse for unlawful force.
Official sources (3)
- National Police Service Act (No. 11A of 2011), Revised Edition 2017 nationalpolice.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- National Police Service Standing Orders nationalpolice.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- FAQs ipoa.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026