The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched invesigations over into the death of a man during protests in Kahawa area, Kiambu County.
The man was shot dead as a section of residents of Kahawa West demonstrated over the demolition of their property.
In a statement, the civilian oversight said they received a report of the death as police allegedly responded to contain a demonstrations over roadside structures demolitions.
“Pursuant to Section 25 of IPOA Act which requires that deaths that result from police action or are caused by members of the National Police Service while on duty be investigated, the Authority has launched investigations into the death today,” stated the authority.
The authority will seek to determine whether the death falls into the authority’s mandate of holding the police accountable and whether the deceased succumbed to the injuries allegedly caused by officers.
Further, the authority has also dispatched a Monitoring Team to observe how the police conduct the management of the demonstrations.
“Upon conclusion, if culpability will be found, Ipoa will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant state agencies and also appraise the public on its findings,” read the statement.
Residents who owned structures on the side of a road leading to Kamiti prisons from Farmers Choice area woke up to find them demolished by authorities.
Property of an unknown value was destroyed as authorities cleared structures for expansion of the road network.
According to traders, no notice was issued to them over the demolition.
However, Multi-Sectoral Committee on Unsafe Structures issued a notice dated May 21, 2021, to owners and developers as seen by The Informer.
“Notice is hereby given to the owners/ developers of the illegal developments near Kahawa West roundabout along the Nothern Bypass and wayleaves therein, for intended removal of all structures on the said road reserve,” read part of the notice.
“This is therefore to give public notice that these structures must be removed before July 19,2021.”
The comittee further added that upon expiry of the notice, structures found on the specified road will be demoliched.