The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched investigations into an incident in which a minor died while in police custody at Kambuu Police Station in Makueni County.
In a statement on Monday, June 3, the oversight authority stated that its officers had already visited the scene of the incident and interviewed a number of witnesses.
IPOA maintained that upon completion of its investigations, it would recommend prosecution where criminal culpability is proven.
"On Friday 31, May 2024, and pursuant to Sections 6(a) of Cap.86 of the Laws of Kenya, IPOA on its own motion launched investigations into the death of a minor at the Kambuu Police Station in Makueni County, where his mother, Zipporah Mutheu, had been detained. Upon completion of investigations and where criminal culpability is proven, IPOA will recommend prosecution," read part of the statement.
In the incident, Mutheu had been arrested on Wednesday, May 29, and taken into custody alongside her one-and-a-half-year-old baby.
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The woman was reportedly assaulted by the officers who apprehended her, and it was alleged that some of the assaults landed on the baby.
Mutheu was reportedly held in custody and denied a chance to seek medical assistance for her baby, who later died in police custody that evening.
In the meantime, IPOA has condemned the assault of a police officer along Kamiti Road, Kasarani on Sunday, June 2.
The oversight authority advised Kenyans who felt disgruntled with the policing services or police officers to lodge their complaints with the authority.
"IPOA strongly condemns such attacks noting that they interrupt the provision of security services and strip the public of policing services," IPOA stated.
