IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori (pictured) said upon conclusion of these investigations, the authority will make appropriate recommendations and forward the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further action/FILE – IPOA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 15 – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a probe on the murder of a 3-year-old who succumbed to a wound he sustained from a stray bullet discharged by a police officer.
Dan Githinji was hit after the said officer fired his gun following an argument with two ladies suspected to be brewing illicit liquor in Kahawa West.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) pursuant to its statutory mandate under Section 25(1) of the IPOA Act that requires the Authority to investigate any death or serious injury caused by Police action, launched independent investigations on own motion into the incident with a view of unravelling the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting,” reads a statement issued by the agency on Sunday.
The officer is reported to have been demanding for a Sh100 bribe when the incident occurred.
IPOA said in a statement anyone found culpable will be brought to book.
The incident which occurred last week led to protests in Kahawa West as locals accused police of unjustifiable use of excessive force.
Meanwhile, the authority has dispatched its Rapid Response Unit in various parts of the country, to probe incidents involving the police.
In Trans-Nzoia County a five-year old girl was shot dead during an eviction exercise, following a court order.
In Nyandarua County, the team will be investigating an incident where a man allegedly arrested for theft, died while in police custody.
In Embu, the team will investigate an incident, in which a Public Service Vehicle driver was allegedly shot and injured by a Deputy Police Commander in the county.
IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori said upon conclusion of these investigations, the authority will make appropriate recommendations and forward the investigation file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further action.
“IPOA remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair in all its mandate operations,” she said.
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