The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA)
has launched investigations into the shooting incidents involving police
officers from Shauri Moyo Police Station in Nairobi, where two people lost their lives and three others
suffered serious injuries in Majengo.
In a statement, IPOA chairperson Ahmed Hassan noted that the move is in line with the Authority’s Act, which mandates it to investigate complaints related to disciplinary or criminal offences committed by police.
He said the Authority's rapid response and forensic investigations team, accompanied by officers specialised in monitoring police conduct during public order management operations, responded to the incident.
“The team has been tasked with gathering all relevant information to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and assessing how the police handled the demonstrators,” he said.
Hassan said the Authority has already recorded key statements and attended one postmortem examination.
In the case being investigated, the first incident occurred at approximately 8:40 pm on Tuesday near Majengo Social Hall.
It involved officers attempting to arrest a young suspect, an action that allegedly attracted other youths in the area.
This escalation resulted in the shooting and serious injury of a 17-year-old boy.
His subsequent death while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National and Referral Hospital triggered demonstrations in the area on Wednesday.
This led to further injuries suffered by the public and police officers.
Additionally, there was extensive destruction of property, including government buildings and motor vehicles.
On behalf of IPOA, Hassan sent condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished a quick recovery to all who suffered injuries.
He called upon citizens not to take the law into their own hands and to refrain from any acts of lawlessness.
Separately, the Authority on Wednesday dispatched a team to monitor police conduct during the management of public order during the demonstrations that have been ongoing at the Kakuma refugee camp.
Hassan assured that IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair in its operations.
