IPOA launches probe into death of Maseno university student

Protesters light a bonfire in Kisumu on Monday, March 20, 2023. [Michael Mute, Standard]

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched its investigations into the shooting of a Maseno University student in Kisumu and a man seriously injured in Toi Market in Nairobi County.

Since the mass action began on Monday, March, 20, one person was reportedly injured after allegedly being shot by police at Toi Market in Kibra, Nairobi. William Mayange, a Maseno university student was also allegedly shot by police during the Azimio demonstrations and was pronounced dead after he was rushed to Coptic hospital.

IPOA in execution of its mandate under section 6 (c) of its act yesterday dispatched its officers across the country to monitor the manner in which the police conducted public order management following the demonstrations mobilized by the Azimio Coalition.

The Authority also noted that some police officers were injured and property damaged in yesterday's demonstrations.

"IPOA strongly condemns the provocation witnessed from both the members of the public and politicians and calls upon them to abide by the law in exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate, in particular the Public Order Act, Penal Code and all other laws relevant to public order management," the authority said.

According to Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, yesterday's protests which Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga had promised would be peaceful, turned out to be 'violent crime scenes with protesters engaging in running battles with and stone throwing at the anti-riot police officers thus hindering freedom of movement for law-abiding citizens.'

IPOA act mandates the authority to undertake various functions among which is to investigate deaths and serious injuries caused by police action.

According to a police report, during the protests, the students invaded Sairam supermarket, in Maseno town and other business premises along Kisumu-Busia road.

The report further indicated that they went ahead and lit bonfires and barricaded stones along the road.

"After sometime, the students started pelting stones at the police line where they damaged window panes in ten houses and the police station. They overpowered the officers who were manning the station. The officers had run out of teargas canisters." The report indicated.