IPOA launches probe into protest deaths

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

The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into deaths that occurred within Nairobi County and Parliament Buildings during last Tuesday's anti-tax demonstrations.

Among the cases under IPOA's scrutiny is the death of 11 people at the Parliament grounds on June 25, 2024.

In a press statement on Tuesday, July 2, IPOA stated that the arrest and arraignment of police officers alleged to have used excessive force is contingent on the completion of the probe.

"This follows a rigorous monitoring exercise on how the police conducted themselves while managing public order during the protests," IPOA stated. The authority is investigating 39 deaths, 150 serious injuries, and 7 abduction cases across the country.

So far, IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori reported that they have obtained post-mortem reports, visited and documented crime scenes, and collected evidence and medical reports from various hospitals.

Among the post-mortem reports obtained are those of Ibrahim Kamau Wanjiku, Erickson Kyalo, David Chege, Wilson Sotati, Kelvin Odhiambo Maina, and Kenneth Njeru Mwangi.

The Githurai shootings of June 25 are also under IPOA's radar, where a 5-year-old, Gianna Merkel Obonyo, was discovered with a bullet lodged in his chest and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital.

"The Authority has launched investigations into the death of Rex Kanyike Masai, allegedly caused by a police officer in civilian attire," the statement read in part.

Also under investigation is the death of Evans Kiratu, who died at Kenyatta National Hospital. His death is alleged to have been caused by police action after he was shot within Nairobi's Central Business District.

Makori has promised an independent, impartial, fair, and thorough investigation into these cases.