The civilian oversight body against police, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched murder probe of a boda boda rider who allegedly died at the hands of police officers in Kayole.
38-year-old John Kiiru was brutally assaulted for flouting curfew orders and was left enduring crippling pain until he succumbed to the injuries.
In a statement, IPOA said that they will seek to establish whether the death falls within the authority’s mandate of holding police accountable for their actions.
“Whether the deceased succumbed to injuries allegedly caused by police officers enforcing curfew orders,” read part of the statement.
Further, the authority said if culpability will be found, appropriate action will be recommended to relevant State agencies.
“IPOA is committed to being independent, impartial, and fair,” stated the authority.
The authority announcement followed daylong protests in Kayole estate where irate residents decried police brutality.
The officers were overwhelmed as criminals took advantage of the protests and looted shops and robbed commuters within the area, including those stocking alcoholic drinks.
Anti-riot officers attached to Kayole Police Station were forced to request for reinforcement and their colleagues from other sub-counties and those from the General Service Unit and other specialised units were deployed to the area.
Nairobi Region Police Commander Augustine Nthumbi yesterday said investigations had been launched to establish what happened.
“Any person found responsible for the death will be charged in court even with murder,” Nthumbi said.
According to Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) Executive Director Peter Kiama, at least 48 people have died in the hands of officers since January while 54 others have suffered injuries as a result of police attacks.
This week, eight police officers were charged in court for the murder two Embu brothers.
