Police officer arrested over shooting of university student in Machakos

A police officer had been arrested in connection with the shooting of a Machakos University student, who together with his colleagues had staged a demonstration due to the escalating level of insecurity in the area.

Corporal Michael Mulwa was arrested on Tuesday and is currently being held at Machakos police station awaiting arraignment.

Meanwhile, the victim, Brilliant Anusu, is fighting for his life at the Machakos Level 5 hospital after sustaining serious injuries.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Tuesday, December 6, announced that it had launched investigations into the shooting of a university student in Machakos on Monday
“In line with provisions of IPOA Act, which dictates that injuries occasioned by actions of the police be investigated by the Authority, a Rapid Response Team has been dispatched to the area with instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the incident,” IPOA’s statement reads.

“Where fault is found, the authority shall make recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution.”

The Machakos shooting incident comes as Kenyans remain highly attentive to incidents of police brutality, with several officers accused of extrajudicial killings and physical harm, among other police related crimes.

In an earlier related incident, another police officer identified as Constable Kevin Sila, was cornered in a robbery incident in Machakos and was placed behind bars.

Sila and an accomplice identified as David Muringu attacked two students as they were headed to their hostel early on Monday.

One managed to escape as the other was assaulted and his mobile phone snatched.

Fellow students residing nearby responded to distress calls, saved their colleague and managed to get the two assailants arrested.