Sixty-five people were killed during recent violent demonstrations in Kenya as police used "disproportionate force", the policing watchdog said Thursday.

The country has been shaken by a wave of demonstrations against police brutality and poor governance under President William Ruto in the last two months.

Rights groups accuse authorities of a harsh crackdown including police shootings and the use of armed gangs who have attacked protesters, as well as looting and destroying thousands of businesses.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said 65 people died during the protests that occurred on June 12, 17 and 25, and July 7.