The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko has ordered administrative action be taken against senior police officers over operational negligence in Kakamega in search of three guns stolen at Booker Police Post last year.
Tobiko upheld findings over alleged police brutality and misconduct by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) during a security operation in Mayoni and Shibale
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has directed that administrative action be taken against the officers who were in charge of the operation for operational negligence,” Ipoa Chief Executive officer Joel Mabonga said.
The DPP has further directed a public inquest be conducted before a competent magistrate to determine the circumstances under which a member of the public lost his life when fire gutted his house during the operation.
The investigation file was also forwarded to Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and to the national Police Service Commission for action.
“Further evidence revealed negligence on the part of the operation command for displaying ignorance of the acts of misconduct carried out by their subordinates and failing to conduct effective monitoring of officers under them contrary to the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the National Police Act (Part C). Senior officers who were in charge left their juniors to do as they wished and hence the brutality and wanton destruction of property that was witnessed in Shibale and Mayoni areas,” Ipoa report shows.
Last year, Ipoa launched investigations into alleged police brutality against civilians in Mumias following raid at Booker Police Post where seven G3 rifles were stolen.
The authority established an inquiry desk at Christian Growth Church in Shibale Township.
Local leaders and lobbyist have condemned police for using excessive force during the operation that left one person dead.
However, Inspector General Police Joseph Boinnet ordered an inquiry into the alleged brutality by the general Service Unit.
The National Police Service (NPS) had offered Sh500, 000 reward for information that will lead to the recovery of the guns.