IPOA probes case of man allegedly shot by police for not wearing mask

IPOA is investigating a case in which police allegedly shot and injured a man for not wearing a face mask. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating a case in which a resident of Imenti South in Meru County was allegedly shot by police for not wearing a face mask.

Pharis Gitobu sustained a leg injury during the Tuesday, January 11 shooting.

The cop, who allegedly fired at Gitobu, later surrendered to his superiors.

IPOA is also probing circumstances surrounding the death of Siaya resident, Vitalis Okinda, who passed away on Monday night while in custody at the Bondo Police Station.

Okinda’s mother, Angeline Okinda, said her son was arrested last Friday.

Angeline claimed Okinda was arrested after a disagreement with local hospital security officers over where the 26-year-old would park his motorbike.

IPOA is also investigating the death of another person, Ibrahim Omar, a resident of Rhamu in Mandera County, who died in disputed circumstances. Police are accused of being involved in his death.

The IPOA Act stipulates that deaths and injuries occasioned by actions of the police be investigated by the authority.

The law also requires the police to report all deaths, serious injuries, and other grave consequences to IPOA for investigations.

The agency has dispatched a rapid response team to Bondo to get crucial information on Okinda's death.

Upon completion of probe – that reveals police involvement in the death of a victim – the authority will make recommendations, including, but not limited to, prosecution.

In June 2020, police in Lessos, Nandi County, engaged in running battles with residents after a man was allegedly shot dead for not wearing a face mask.

Irate residents claim the police accosted a physically challenged man who works as a cobbler in Lessos trading centre and shot him dead.

In protest, residents have set ablaze a house belonging to a senior officer at the station leading to running battles as police struggle to contain the situation.

The angry residents have blocked the Kapsabet-Eldoret road and have stopped police from picking the body which is still lying on the road.

According to the locals, the officers attached to the station have been demanding bribes and harassing locals while implementing Covid-19 regulations.