The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation after a 19-year-old boda boda operator was allegedly shot dead by police in Kirinyaga County.
In a statement on Monday, May 20, the oversight authority intimated that it had taken up the matter as it was required by law.
"IPOA, as mandated under Cap. 86 of the laws of Kenya, has begun investigations into the fatal shooting of a youth in Kirinyaga County on Sunday," IPOA stated on X.
The deceased, Derrick Gachoki, was reported to have been shot dead on Saturday night, May 18, at Kiandai shopping centre in Gichugu by police officers who were on patrol.
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According to Kirinyaga Police Commander Andrew Naibei who confirmed the incident, a female police officer had already been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
"Police officers were on patrol last night when the incident happened and right now we have launched an investigation to see the family get justice," Naibei told the press on Sunday.
The deceased's brother, who spoke to the media at their home, called on the government for justice, claiming that the deceased had not committed any crime.
"I just want justice because a human is not an animal and the deceased did not commit any crime. He was looking out for himself," he told the press.