Police Commander Koome denies reports of shooting 7-year-old boy in Pipeline, blames criminals

Nairobi County Police Commander Japhet Koome denied reports that they shot 7-year-old boy Geoffrey Mutinda in Pipeline, Nairobi on Tuesday 28. The police said that there was a high possibility that the boy was shot by criminals.

“Contrary to media reports, there is no police camp in Embakasi area known as Tassia AP Camp. Besides, there were no active police operations in Kware area yesterday,” said Mr Koome in a statement sent to newsrooms.

The Pipeline estate residents have however said that they can identify the man who shot Mutinda as a well-known police officer who is normally attached to a nearby AP camp.

The incident happened when the police engaged National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters in running battles during the NASA memorial service at the Jacaranda grounds.

NASA leaders had planned to hold a memorial for the thirty seven people who perished during the recent riots the same time as President Uhuru Kenyatta swearing-in ceremony at the Kasarani Stadium.

However, the anti-riots police chased NASA supporters with teargas and shooting in the air in a bid to disperse those who were near the Jacaranda grounds.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said that they have already sent a team of detectives to investigate the shooting of the 7-year-old boy.

“Upon conclusion of the investigations, IPOA will make recommendations and forward the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for his attention,” said a statement by IPOA signed by the head of communications, Dennis Oketch.