The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened investigations on the conduct of police officers during the Azimio anti-government protests.
IPOA in a statement on Saturday, July 14 stated that it will investigate deaths from gunshots, injuries on civilians and police officers, and assault of journalists.
“IPOA is therefore investigating cases reported to us and those undertaken on our own motion including; reported deaths from gunshots, injuries to civilians and police, assault of journalists, and arrests of civilians.
“Our investigations will take into account the fundamental rights and freedoms of all the individuals concerned, including members of the Police Service, in accordance with Chapter Four of the Constitution, and as dictated by Section 24 of the IPOA Act,” read the statement in part.
The authority also stated that it will release a consolidated report with findings and recommendations to various agencies including the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and the National Police Service.
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The announcement comes after opposition politicians and human rights groups raised concerns about the use of excessive force by the police during the Azimio protests.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on Friday, July 21 stated that civil society organizations have reported 27 deaths because of police shootings during the demonstrations between July 7 and July 19.
“From July 7 to 19, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have reported 27 extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions (EJE) – Fatal police shootings. While President Ruto had promised to end the era of police killer squads, the recent unfoldings reveal that the security agencies have clear intentions to execute protestors,” said KHRC.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyongo also on Friday accused the police of attacking innocent Kenyans in their homes while carrying out a door-to-door operation.
