IPOA launches probe against police officers linked to street children disappearances, killings

Tuesday, 28th March 2023

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations against police officers linked to the mysterious disappearance and murder of street children in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, in what human rights groups have termed as extra-judicial killings.

According to a report by Nation.Africa, rights groups have so far documented five street children’s deaths in three months, but they warn that many others are not documented by the children’s department or any other government agency.

The probe follows the killing of Keith Moses, a street child, on February 27 allegedly committed by the police.

“IPOA dispatched its rapid investigations team to commence investigations. Investigations are thus ongoing. On conclusion, IPOA will make recommendations to address the matter either through the criminal justice system or through internal disciplinary mechanisms,” said Mrs Anne Makori, the body’s chairperson, in a notice by Denis Oketch, head of communication.

Rights groups had written to the authority demanding action against three officers from Eldoret Police Station that they alleged were behind the disappearances of street children.

“Many street children have disappeared only to be found dead, among them Keith Moses. These children have a right to life and it is against human rights to mistreat or even kill them,” Nation.Africa quotes human rights activist Kimutai Kirui.

Kirui disclosed that a post-mortem report indicated that Moses had three broken ribs and oesophagus damaged and that he died as a result of ‘excessive pressure on the throat’.

Turbo Sub-County police commander Edward Masibo said they have not received a formal complaint over the involvement of the police in the matter. “Investigations are going to be launched and appropriate action will be taken against those found to be implicated,” said Mr Masibo.