Ipoa probes alleged police shootings in South B, Kirinyaga

Chair Anne Makori said two rapid response teams have been deployed to conduct investigations

In Summary
  • The Authority said it is investigating a shooting of a civilian allegedly by a police on patrol which occurred on May 20, in Kirinyaga.

  • Its it is also probing a shooting incident of two people along Lusaka Road in South B, Nairobi on May 22, 2024.

Ipoa chairperson Anne Makori on October 7.
Ipoa chairperson Anne Makori on October 7.
Image: FILE

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority says it has commenced investigations into two incidents of shootings allegedly involving police officers.

Ipoa is mandated to provide for civilian oversight over police work.

The Authority said it is investigating a shooting of a civilian allegedly by a police on patrol which occurred on May 20, in Kirinyaga.

Its it is also probing a shooting incident of two people along Lusaka Road in South B, Nairobi on May 22, 2024.

Ipoa chairperson Anne Makori said two rapid response teams have been deployed to conduct investigations into the two incidents.

She said upon completion of investigations and where criminal culpability is proven, Ipoa will recommend prosecution.

The Authority highlighted some of the cases it investigated leading to prosecutions.

On December 26, 2018, Ipoa said it learnt of the death of George Namalwa Wekesa in Butonge Village, Bungoma county.

Makori further highlighted a recent case where a police officer was convicted after he was allegedly found guilty of a civilian's death.

"On own motion, we initiated investigations after which we recommended the prosecution of four police officers. On April 19, 2024, the Court in Bungoma found the former police officer guilty of seriously assaulting him leading to his death," Makori added.

She said three other suspects in the case were acquitted.

"In executing its mandate of holding police accountable to the public and ensuring that police strive for professionalism and discipline, the Authority continues to conduct investigations," the Ipoa chair said.

She added that it is required of police officers to always attempt to use non-violent means first.

According to IPoa, the force used should be proportional to the objective to be achieved, the seriousness of the offence and the resistance of the person against whom it is used.

"When the use of force results in injuries, the police officers present shall provide medical assistance immediately and unless there are good reasons, failing to do so is a criminal offence," Makori said.

She said police who use any form of force shoulod immediately report to their superior.

"Any use of force that leads to death, serious injury and other grave consequences shall be reported immediately to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority," she said.

Ipoa said that a police officer in uniform shall at all times affix a nametag or identifiable service number in a visible part of the uniform.

The Authority further said that the orders of a superior are no excuse for unlawful use of force.

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