IPOA opens probes into Maseno shooting, Toi police brutality

Tuesday, 21st March 2023

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into two police-related incidents that occurred during Monday’s protests.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, IPOA noted that it had opened probes into the reported killing of a Maseno University student, and a second incident where a man was seriously injured in Toi Market.

“While it is noted that the police largely operated with restraints and within the confines of the law, the Authority noted two incidents in which a university student was fatally shot in Kisumu County and a man seriously injured in Toi Market in Nairobi County, all allegedly by the police. The authority has since launched investigations into the incidents and is also on standby to take up investigations for any incidents that may arise in the interim,” IPOA said in its statement.

Various unverified incidents that were captured by Kenyans have also been shared on social media platforms showing policemen metting violence against Kenyans.

Kenyans have however made their voices heard in condemning the actions of the rogue police elements, reiterating the need to act Constitutionally in the delivery of their duties.

Missing Voices Coalition would also want to amplify the condemnation of the witnessed police brutality and the killing reported.

We remind the National Police Service of their obligation to respect human rights as enshrined in both the Kenyan Constitution and international treaties to which Kenya is a signatory.

The current administration has been vocal in the quest to reform the police service and bring an end to police brutality, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.

We hope the perpetrators of the brutality and killing reported from Monday’s protests will be brought to book and held accountable for their crimes.