IPOA to investigate death of man allegedly shot by police in Kahawa West protests

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into an incident where police allegedly opened fire on protesters in Kahawa West, Kiambu County on Wednesday morning killing one person.

Traders in the area were protesting against the demolition of their stalls and destruction of property by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) when the police who came to contain the demonstrators opened fire on the public.

IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori. Image| K24

According to the authority’s chairperson, Anne Makori, IPOA will determine whether the incident falls within its mandate.

“Further, the Authority has also dispatched a Monitoring Team to observe how the police conduct the management of the demonstrations. Upon conclusion, if culpability will be found, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant State agencies and also upraise the public on its findings,” added Makori.

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The incident comes barely a week after a 38-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by police officers enforcing curfew in Kayole, Nairobi. IPOA, also launched investigations into the incident and is yet to release its findings.

Cases of police brutality especially during curfew hours have been on the rise in recent weeks, with the police force being condemned from different quarters for excessive use of force while conducting their duties.