IPOA probes fuel protest fatalities, custody death and police shootings

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‎The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into a series of deaths linked to the May 18 fuel price protests, including a death in police custody in Kiambu and multiple fatal shootings in Kiambu and Nakuru counties.

‎In a statement issued by IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku, the authority said it had deployed rapid response teams to investigate fatalities reported during public order management operations conducted by the National Police Service during demonstrations over rising fuel prices and the resulting economic hardship.

‎Among the cases under investigation is the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e, who allegedly died while in custody at Kiambu Police Station.

‎According to IPOA, Njung’e, a resident of Kirigiti, had been arrested on May 21 in connection with a suspected theft case and placed in police cells at around 11 am.

‎“At approximately 1152 hours on the same day, the deceased was discovered hanging inside the police cells using a mattress cover,” the authority said.

‎IPOA investigators visited the scene, documented evidence and reviewed police records before the body was moved to Kenyatta University Funeral Home.

‎The authority said it attended the post-mortem examination, which established the cause of death as asphyxia due to neck compression consistent with ligature strangulation, with suicide confirmed.

‎“Preliminary review of the scene and custodial records did not reveal visible external injuries on the body,” IPOA said.

‎However, investigators are still examining whether there was adequate supervision and compliance with detention procedures at the station.

‎IPOA is also investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in the Mburerie area of Kiambu Town.

‎Preliminary findings indicate that Karuu was among demonstrators when he sustained a gunshot wound near the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya at around 1 pm on May 18.

‎He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries about 40 minutes later.

‎“Preliminary witness accounts indicate involvement of a single armed officer believed to have been dressed in Kenya Prisons Service uniform,” the authority said.

‎The post-mortem examination established that the deceased sustained a single gunshot wound that caused severe internal injuries, including a ruptured lung and fractured ribs.

‎“Investigations into the legality, proportionality and command responsibility surrounding the use of force during the demonstrations remain ongoing,” IPOA said.

‎In Nakuru County, the authority is investigating the deaths of Charles Kigaa Waiganjo and David Chege in Naivasha, as well as the fatal shootings of James Mwangi, Patrick Githinji and Solomon in Molo.

‎Another investigation concerns the fatal shooting of an unidentified person in Mwariki, Nakuru.

‎IPOA noted that police officers were also injured during the protests and that property of unknown value was destroyed.

‎The authority condemned the destruction and urged citizens to conduct themselves within the law.

‎“IPOA therefore condemns this destruction and calls upon citizens to conduct themselves within the confines of the law to avoid turning peaceful protests into situations of suffering and disruption of socio-economic activities,” the statement said.

‎The watchdog assured the public that all investigations are being conducted independently and impartially and pledged to provide periodic updates on the progress of the cases.

‎“IPOA remains committed to promoting police accountability, protecting human rights and ensuring adherence to constitutional policing standards during public order management operations,” the authority said.

‎It also extended condolences to the families of those who died and wished a speedy recovery to all persons injured during the protests, including police officers.