Ipoa launches probe into Kabete cop shooting incident

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is investigating the incident in which a police officer killed his wife and six others before committing suicide in Kabete area, Nairobi.

".. the Authority this morning dispatched its Rapid Response team to obtain information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident," chairperson Anne Makori said.

"Upon conclusion of the investigations, the Authority will make appropriate recommendations to relevant institutions."

She urged police officers to fully explore mechanisms of addressing issues that affect their work.

This includes lodging complaints with Ipoa through toll-free number 1559 besides also regularly utilising counselling services provided by the National Police Service Commission.

"Ipoa remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair," she said.

The deceased included his wife, neighbours and bodaboda riders who had rushed to his house to check what had happened when they heard gunshots on Tuesday morning.

Police said the constable Benson Imbatu attached to Kabete police station went home with his AK47 rifle and picked a quarrel with his wife Carol Imbatu.

This degenerated into the shooting.

Neighbours and bodaboda riders who operate near the Heights Apartment where the officer stayed rushed to the house to check what had happened.

This was after they also saw a fire emanating from the house, police said.

And in the process, Imbatu stepped out with his gun blazing and felled five other people including two bodaboda riders and his neighbours in different locations near the house.

Edited by D Tarus