Colleagues demand probe into death of Police officer at Madaraka parade rehearsal

Nairobi, Kenya: An inquest has been launched on how a female police officer participating in the ongoing rehearsal of the security forces parade of Madaraka Day collapsed and died.

Police say they are yet to know what caused the death of Martha Maskonte of Parklands police station, Nairobi.

But her colleagues want an investigation be conducted why she was allowed or forced to participate in the parade when she had complained of being unwell.

“Before she left for the parade she had arrived late at the station and even complained she was not feeling well. We don’t know how and why she was forced for participate in the event,” said an officer at the station.

She was in the parade at Uhuru Park when the incident happened Wednesday.

Her colleagues were participating in the parade with her when she suddenly collapsed and died Wednesday afternoon. Her body was later moved to the mortuary.

Nairobi deputy police boss Joseph Limo said they are investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.

“She was rushed to hospital where doctors confirmed she had passed on and investigations are ongoing on the cause,” said Limo.

Combined security agencies are rehearsing for the event to take place at Nyayo Stadium on June 1.